The kind of money African stars are pulling from streaming might indeed surprise you! Once overlooked, African artists are now taking over global charts and cashing in at record-breaking levels. With streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, artists across the continent are finally getting paid for the sound that has captured the world.
But here’s the real question – do you think streaming platforms are finally giving African artists what they truly deserve, or are these numbers just the tip of something bigger? Let’s take a look at who’s cashing in and how this streaming era is rewriting the rules of success for African music.
Top Artists with the Biggest Streaming Earnings
1. Wizkid
Wizkid stands tall as Africa’s highest earner on Spotify, making about US$1 million every month from streaming alone. His global catalog – from Essence to Ojuelegba and Money & Love – consistently attracts millions of streams daily. Wizkid’s music transcends regions, landing him not just on global playlists but also in global pay brackets. His success proves that African sound can be both authentic and highly profitable.
2. Burna Boy
Burna Boy’s reign in streaming is just as impressive. With estimated earnings of about US$782,000 monthly, he’s turned his Afro-fusion sound into a global brand. His albums Twice As Tall and Love, Damini continue to stream heavily across North America, Europe, and Africa. Burna’s ability to blend storytelling with rhythm has earned him Grammy wins and sold-out world tours – but the streaming checks show how that fame now translates into consistent digital income.
3. Tems
Tems’ rise is nothing short of phenomenal. She earns an estimated US$660,000 monthly from streaming. Her soothing yet powerful sound has crossed borders, especially with Free Mind becoming a global favorite and her contributions to Essence and Wait for U hitting multiple charts. Tems has shown that African R&B can compete directly with global superstars – and win.
4. Tyla
South Africa’s Tyla has turned viral success into real money. Her estimated US$608,000 monthly earnings on Spotify put her among the continent’s most bankable young stars. Her song Water didn’t just break TikTok; it broke cultural barriers, putting Amapiano squarely in the international spotlight. Tyla’s presence shows that the global appetite for African sound isn’t limited to one region – the world wants in on all of it.
5. Davido
Davido continues to be one of the continent’s most consistent earners, bringing in about US$458,000 every month from streaming. His hits Unavailable, Feel, and If maintain huge replay value. Davido’s massive international fan base, paired with his ability to deliver hit after hit, keeps him in the streaming elite year after year.
The Bigger Picture
The success of these artists is more than a financial milestone; it’s a statement about African influence on global culture. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, from Lagos to Johannesburg, African music is redefining what global sound means.
But as this new era unfolds, what do you expect these artists to do next – bigger collaborations, bolder sounds, or moves that push African music even deeper into the global mainstream? And who else do you see joining this list soon? The world is tuned in, Africa is leading the rhythm, and the next chapter of this sonic revolution is just beginning.
Share your thoughts, let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate the sound that’s changing the world!
