Spotify highlights Africa’s rising artists in NXT playlist

The playlist reflects shifting patterns in African music consumption, with listeners increasingly discovering artists early, returning to their work repeatedly, and sharing it across borders. Selection for NXT combines editorial curation with performance metrics, including year-on-year streaming growth, repeat listening, and geographic reach.

In Nigeria, Afrobeats artist Shoday has seen streams rise by 228% year on year, with audiences extending beyond the country to the US, UK, South Africa, and Ghana. Zaylevelten’s Alte and hip hop tracks have experienced almost a 22 000% increase, attracting listeners in Nigeria, the UK, US, Ghana, and Canada. Key tracks include ‘Paparazzi’, ‘Shoday Kilode’, ‘Idanski’, and ‘Wuse Tu’.

Ghanaian artists are also showing significant growth. Mellissa’s Afropop and R&B songs, including ‘Goodboy (Kweku)’, have recorded a 140% increase, while Jubed’s Afrobeats track ‘Ruwa’ has surged by 300%, reaching audiences in Ghana, Nigeria, the UK, and the US.

Kenya’s emerging talent reflects renewed interest in hip hop and Afro R&B. Toxic Lyrikali’s Backbender has driven a 1 493% growth, while Zaituni’s tracks, including ‘Tamu’ and ‘Tick Tock’, are gaining listeners in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, the UK, the US, and Denmark.

South African artists Babble Hume and Nanette illustrate growing global interest in alternative sounds. Babble Hume has seen a 15 000% increase in streams, while Nanette has grown by 125% year on year, connecting audiences across Southern and East Africa and into Nigeria and the US.

The playlist also highlights Christian and Gospel artists gaining traction across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. K3ndrick’s Afro-gospel tracks ‘Guide Me’ and ‘Calvary’ are reaching audiences in Nigeria, the US, and Canada, while Sal Ly’s Christian R&B songs, including Blessings and Chemical Hearts, are resonating in Brazil, the US, the UK, and Canada.

“What we’re seeing across Africa is that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Listeners are discovering artists early, returning to them, and carrying their music across borders in very real ways,” Spotify head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu said. “The NXT playlist exists to recognise that moment of momentum, when an artist is no longer emerging on potential, but on connection”.

The NXT playlist aims to reflect listening behaviour rather than predict future trends, spotlighting artists at a stage where careers are built incrementally through sustained engagement.