To mark Women’s Month, Spotify is spotlighting South African female artists who released new albums in 2024, recognising their achievements and contributions to the music industry.
This month is always glittering with activations that spotlight South African women’s accomplishments, consider the obstacles they still confront, and advance gender equality.
Every year on August 9, Women’s Day is observed to honour the bravery of more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to demonstrate against laws that severely restricted the movement of black South Africans.
In an effort to strengthen the voices of female musicians, the music-streaming platform is showcasing up-and-coming South African musicians who are breaking barriers in the music business.
It also seeks to provide women with an opportunity to thrive as creators and musicians through programmes such as EQUAL, which advocates for gender equality in the music industry, and playlists that highlight female talent.
The platform looks into the most streamed albums by South African female artists from January to July 2024.
The star-studded list of women includes Tyla, Xolly Mncwango, Azana, Thandiswa Mazwai, Zoe Modiga, Lady Zamar, Sio, Msaki, Dr Winnie Mashaba, and Thobekile.
Globally
“TYLA” – Tyla, “Unusual” – Xolly Mncwango, “Kwakhanya” – Azana, “Sankofa” – Thandiswa Mazwai, “Nomthandazo” – Zoe Modiga, “Rainbow” – Lady Zamar, “Synthetic Hearts Part II” – Msaki, “Difela, Vol. 2” – Dr Winnie Mashaba, “Sarang” – Sio, “Thobekile” – Thobekile.
South Africa
“TYLA” – Tyla, “Unusual” – Xolly Mncwango, “Kwakhanya” – Azana, “Sankofa” – Thandiswa Mazwai, “Nomthandazo” – Zoe Modiga, “Rainbow” – Lady Zamar, “Synthetic Hearts Part II” – Msaki, “Difela, Vol. 2” – Dr Winnie Mashaba, “Sarang” – Sio, “Thobekile” – Thobekile.
Additionally, the platform focuses on the gender and age range of users who are streaming these albums from January to July 2024, both globally and in South Africa.
According to reports, Gen Zers – those between the ages of 18 and 24 – top the list because they stream these albums more than any other age group, with 39% of streams originating from outside of South Africa and 41% from within the country.
On gender, female users in South Africa and globally are listening more to these amazing female artists, with 57% coming from South Africa and 64% globally.
The Women’s Month celebration presents a momentous opportunity to honour these women while inspiring the next generation of emerging female musicians in South Africa.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za