Gospel music streams surge on Spotify as South Africans embrace Easter traditions

18 Apr 2025 - 06:20

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

As Easter approaches, new data from Spotify reveals a marked surge in gospel music streaming across South Africa, highlighting a deep-rooted spiritual tradition that continues to thrive in the digital era.

Mpumi Mtsweni.

Gospel powerhouse Joyous Celebration remains a dominant force, recording nearly nine million streams on the platform in the two weeks leading up to Easter. For the third consecutive year, the group has secured four of the top ten positions on Spotify’s gospel charts, with enduring favourites such as ‘Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 – Live’, ‘Yesu Wena UnguMhlobo – Live’, ‘Hallelujah Nkateko (Lihle’s Version) – Live’, and ‘Umbhedesho – Live’.

These tracks, performed in vernacular languages and deeply rooted in tradition, continue to resonate with South African listeners seeking spiritual connection and cultural continuity during the Easter season.

Emerging alongside these classics is Mpumi Mtsweni’s ‘Thath’Indawo (Live)’, performed with Spirit Of Praise. The song has become the most-streamed gospel track this Easter season, offering themes of surrender and spiritual renewal that mirror the reflective nature of the holiday.

Spotify’s curated gospel playlists have also seen a significant increase in engagement. Sunday Praise topped listener preferences, followed by Clap & Tap and Gospel Greatness. These playlists blend traditional hymns with modern gospel sounds, demonstrating how listeners are embracing innovation without abandoning heritage.

Beyond chart performance, perhaps the most striking insight is the volume of user-generated content. Over 31,000 gospel playlists were created by South Africans across the two weekends leading up to Easter, a figure that has remained consistent for the past three years. This trend points to a personal and emotional investment in gospel music, as users curate soundtracks that reflect their faith, memories, and spiritual journeys.

The data underscores the enduring cultural and spiritual relevance of gospel music in South Africa. In a time of global uncertainty, listeners are turning to music steeped in heritage and hope, seeking comfort, meaning, and a sense of belonging through harmonies that have been passed down through generations.