African songs hit big on Shazam’s global charts
New data from Shazam reveals a breakthrough year for African artists, with standout tracks reaching listeners across the globe.
African music is making waves around the world, and Shazam has the data to prove it. According to new figures reported by Music Business Worldwide, over 200 African artists appeared on Shazam’s Global Top 200 chart in the past year. Even more impressive, 12 tracks by African artists broke into the Global Top 10, with three of them reaching Number 1.
These top-performing tracks are a clear sign that music from across the continent is being embraced by listeners everywhere. The three chart-toppers were:
- Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix] – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
- My Darling – Chella
- Biri Marung (feat. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii) – Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego
Here is the full list of African songs that reached the Shazam Global Top 10 over the past year:
- With You (feat. Omah Lay) – Davido
- Venus – Faceless & Serøtonin
- Show Me Love – WizTheMc
- Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix] – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
- NINAO – GIMS
- Ngishutheni – Goon Flavour, Master KG, Eemoh
- My Darling – Chella
- Laho – Shallipopi
- Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche – Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & His Trio
- Joy Is Coming – Fido
- Funds – Davido feat. ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike
- Biri Marung – Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego
Shazam, which is owned by Apple Music, now has over 300 million monthly users and has processed more than 100 billion global song recognitions. Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana led the chart appearances, reflecting both the global reach of African artists and the growing worldwide appetite for their music.
Ole Obermann, Global Head of Music at Apple Music, said: “These insights are not only a testament to the incredible talent that the continent has to offer, but reflect the key role that Shazam has played in surfacing African music to a global audience.”
Nigerian artist Chella also praised the app’s impact: “Shazam has been an important music tool for me, helping me connect with people around the world and letting them discover my sound.” Similarly, Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY explained, “We’re number one in command globally, and Shazam has played a huge part in making that possible.” She added, ” It’s taken my music to places I’ve never been and helped me connect with fans from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.”
As more African genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion continue to dominate the charts, tools like Shazam are helping connect artists with global fans. You can share your music on Shazam too with RouteNote, just head here to find out how.