This is as performers rode a wave of growing interest in music from the continent.

The Swedish company paid out some $10 billion in royalties worldwide in 2024. And while Africa represents only a small part of its offering, interest in African artists has ballooned, buoyed in part by internationally recognised acts like SA singer Tyla and Nigeria's Burna Boy.Around 250 million user-created playlists now feature at least one Nigerian artist, and 220 million contain a SA, the company said on Thursday.

"What we're seeing is an excellent evolution around more and more mid-tier or up-and-coming artists making a living," said Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify's Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Nigerian artists received over 58 billion Nigerian naira ($38 million) in royalties last year, more than double the 2023 figure. Royalties for SA performers reached 400 million rand ($21 million), up 54% year-on-year.Much of that came from outside their home markets. Nigerian artists have seen a 49% increase in export growth over the past three years, while South Africa saw export growth of 104%.

The number of Nigerian artists earning 10 million Naira, meanwhile, doubled year-on-year and has tripled since 2022.
In SA, the number of those earning between 100 000 and 500 000 rand has doubled over the past three years.

--Reuters--