African artists make global impact on Shazam chart

According to the platform, 12 African songs reached the Shazam Global Top 10 between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. These include tracks such as ‘With You’ (ft. Omah Lay) by Davido (Nigeria), ‘Venus’ by Faceless & Serøtonin (Nigeria), ‘Show Me Love’ by WizTheMc (South Africa), and ‘Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix]’ by MOLIY (Ghana).

Other notable entries include ‘NINAO’ by GIMS (DRC/France), ‘Ngishutheni’ by South African artists Goon Flavour, Master KG and Eemoh, ‘My Darling’ by Chella (Nigeria), ‘Laho’ by Shallipopi (Nigeria), and ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ by Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & His Trio (Nigeria). Also featured were ‘Joy Is Coming’ by Fido (Nigeria), ‘Funds’ by Davido featuring ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike, and ‘Biri Marung’ (ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii) by South African artists Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego.

Of these, three tracks claimed the number one spot on the Shazam Global chart: ‘Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix]’, ‘My Darling’, and ‘Biri Marung’.

“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,” Apple Music’s global head of music Ole Obermann said. “Africa has become a force in setting the standard for today’s most contemporary and innovative sounds, and Shazam users are embracing these songs as they begin their journey to becoming global hits.”

Artists also credited the platform with supporting their global reach. “Shazam has been an important music tool for me, helping me connect with people around the world and letting them discover my sound,” Nigerian singer-songwriter Chella said. “’My Darling’ got picked up by many on Shazam, and that pivoted my career shift positively.”

“It’s been incredible to see how far ‘Shake It to the Max’ has travelled,” said Ghanaian-American artist MOLIY. “We’re number one in command globally, and Shazam has played a huge part in making that possible. To know that people all over the world are hearing the song, pulling out their phones to find out who I am – that’s wild! It’s taken my music to places I’ve never been and helped me connect with fans from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. I’m so grateful.”

Since its launch, Shazam has recorded over 100 billion global song recognitions and now serves more than 300 million monthly users. The app has earned a reputation as a leading discovery tool, often predicting breakthrough tracks and emerging artists.

Countries with the most entries in the Global Top 200 included Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana.

Top 10 African songs on the Shazam Global Top 200 (1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025):

• ‘Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix]’ – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
• ‘Biri Marung (Edit)’ [ft. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii] – Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego
• ‘My Darling’ – Chella
• ‘Show Me Love’ – WizTheMc & bees & honey
• ‘Calm Down’ – Rema
• ‘PUSH 2 START’ – Tyla
• ‘NINAO’ – GIMS
• ‘Water’ – Tyla
• ‘With You’ (feat. Omah Lay) – Davido
• ‘Jealousy’ (feat. Leemckrazy & Ceeka RSA) – Khalil Harrison & Tyler ICU