Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
As Women’s History Month unfolds, the African music industry is witnessing a transformative era driven by female artists who are breaking records and reshaping the global music scene. From Tems to Tyla, African women are no longer just participants—they are leading the charge, setting new benchmarks for success.
Tyla recently made history as the first African solo artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, thanks to her viral hit Water. Meanwhile, Tems continues to solidify her place in music history as the first female African artist to achieve the same milestone. Their success underscores a broader cultural shift where women’s voices are increasingly dominant in an industry that was once male-dominated.
The Soundtrack of a New Era
Female listeners across Sub-Saharan Africa are gravitating towards music that reflects their personal journeys and aspirations. The region’s diverse music landscape—from the pulsating beats of Nigerian Afrobeats to Ghana’s Hiplife and Kenya’s fast-growing rap scene—provides a space for women to see themselves in the music they consume.
Collaborations between artists are striking a chord with female audiences. Songs like Ngozi by Crayon featuring Ayra Starr and Bad Vibes by Ayra Starr featuring Seyi Vibez have gained popularity across Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, demonstrating the powerful connection between artists and their listeners. Additionally, solo hits like Tems’ Me & U and Gyakie’s Rent-Free have become anthems of empowerment and self-expression.
Albums as Cultural Landmarks
Women’s stories are increasingly taking center stage through groundbreaking albums. Ayra Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 and Tems’ Born in the Wild have dominated charts across Africa, offering a raw and introspective look at the experiences of young African women.
Kenyan listeners have also embraced global sounds, with albums like SZA’s SOS Deluxe: LANA and Tyla’s TYLA+ resonating strongly. Meanwhile, emerging voices like Qing Madi’s self-titled debut signal a new wave of fresh and authentic storytelling by female artists.
Women’s Expanding Influence Beyond Music
The cultural shift isn’t confined to music alone. Women are shaping digital content consumption, particularly through podcasts. Across Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, women are tuning in to a diverse range of topics, from spirituality to personal growth and entertainment.
In Ghana, podcasts like Sincerely Accra and ShxtsNGigs are gaining traction, while Kenyan women are engaging with So This Is Love, The 97s Podcast, and The Messy Inbetween. Nigerian audiences, on the other hand, are drawn to faith-based content from Apostle Femi Lazarus and Celebration Church Int’l, alongside the cultural discussions on I Said What I Said.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Streaming data underscores this cultural shift, with female listenership growing significantly across the region. Over the past year:
- Nigeria has seen a 108% increase in female listeners,
- Kenya has recorded a 26% rise, and
- Ghana has experienced a 24% growth in engagement.
These figures highlight the growing economic and cultural influence of women in shaping the entertainment industry.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is evident that African women are not just consuming culture—they are creating it. Whether through groundbreaking records, empowering anthems, or insightful podcast discussions, women are amplifying their voices and redefining the cultural landscape of Africa.
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