-
Asake, Rema among top 10 artists with the highest Spotify Gen Z listeners.
Here are the leading artists among Gen Z listeners in sub-Saharan Africa for 2023. This year has witnessed the release of numerous outstanding songs by various artists, garnering significant streams on Spotify.
Notably, these streams come predominantly from Gen Z, the most technologically adept generation of our time.
While there’s much to discuss about this generation, spanning from 11 to 26 years old, a common consensus exists regarding their impactful influence on popular culture, with music being a prime example.
Although individual listening habits vary, exploring the artists and tracks that resonate with Gen Z across Sub-Saharan Africa provides valuable insights into what motivates and excites the African Gen Z demographic. This is evident in the Spotify Wrapped results for the current year, reflecting a shared musical experience that brings the diverse Gen Z community together.
The foremost artists captivating Gen Z listeners in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 are:
1. Drake (Canada): Securing the top spot, Drake’s collaboration with 21 Savage on ‘Her Loss’ and the release of ‘For All the Dogs’ contributed to his widespread appeal.
2. Burna Boy (Nigeria): A prominent figure in the Afrobeats scene, Burna Boy’s consistent contributions earned him a spot in the top ten, complemented by his latest album.
3. Asake (Nigeria): Making waves with Afrobeats, Asake’s popularity surged, fueled by his ongoing musical endeavors.
4. Davido (Nigeria): With a new album under his belt, Davido’s impact on Gen Z listeners in sub-Saharan Africa remains substantial.
5. Rema (Nigeria): Releasing a deluxe version of his previous album, Rema showcased his musical prowess, resonating with Gen Z audiences.
6. Omah Lay (Nigeria): Another Nigerian artist on the rise, Omah Lay’s deluxe album release solidified his presence among the top Gen Z favorites.
7. The Weeknd (Canada): The Weeknd, a Canadian counterpart to Drake, gained significant streams in 2023, driven by the deluxe version of his 2016 album ‘Starboy.’
8. Travis Scott (USA): Anticipation surrounded Travis Scott’s album ‘Utopia,’ released after a five-year wait, placing him among the most streamed artists by Gen Zs in SSA.
9. 21 Savage (USA): Despite not releasing solo projects, 21 Savage’s collaborative efforts and established reputation have maintained his popularity among Gen Z listeners.
10. Future (USA): Also absent from solo releases this year, Future’s enduring appeal in international rap music earned him a spot in the top ten most streamed artists by Gen Z across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The most favored songs among Gen Z listeners in sub-Saharan Africa for the year highlight a penchant for danceable beats. Nine out of the top 10 songs originate from Africa, primarily rooted in the vibrant genres of Afrobeats or Amapiano, with a couple seamlessly blending both styles.
Nigeria takes center stage in this musical lineup, with Ruger’s infectious ‘Asiwaju‘ claiming the number one spot. Asake’s ‘Lonely At The Top‘ also makes its mark, offering a reflective exploration of the challenges and allure of fame.
Breaking the dance-centric mold is the lone hip-hop entry, ‘Sprinter’ by British artists Dave and Central Cee, which secures the second position. This global hit resonated with Gen Z worldwide, showcasing the widespread appeal of the dynamic collaboration between two of England’s most celebrated rappers.
From Davido’s highly anticipated album ‘Timeless,’ two tracks, ‘FEEL‘ and ‘UNAVAILABLE‘ featuring Musa Keys, find themselves in the top ten, underscoring the artist’s enduring popularity among Gen Z listeners.
The Amapiano sensation ‘Mnike,’ which took social media by storm, stands as the sole South African representation in the top ten, underscoring the influential power of virality. Adding a touch of diversity, Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush‘ emerges as the only track by a female artist in the coveted top ten, making a distinct mark in this year’s Gen Z musical preferences.