As we honour women in Women’s History Month this March, the vibrant African music scene showcases an astonishing transformation driven by female talent and innovation. Over the last 90 days, data highlights a powerful shift in women’s listening preferences, shedding light on the remarkable influence of female artists in reshaping the industry.
The Year of Women Milestones
Two standout figures have made history: Tyla and Tems. Tyla recently became the first African solo artist to achieve one billion streams on Spotify with her viral sensation “Water.” This remarkable milestone underscores women’s growing prominence in the global music landscape. Shortly after, Tems made waves as the first female African artist to hit the same sensational streaming figure, reinforcing her position within music history and paving the way for future generations.
These remarkable accomplishments transcend statistics and embody a cultural transformation that celebrates and amplifies women’s voices.
The Soundtrack of Her Journey
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, female listeners are increasingly drawn to tracks that resonate with their experiences and aspirations. From the poignant storytelling of Ghanaian Hiplife to the infectious beats of Nigerian Afrobeats and the compelling lyricism found in Kenya’s Rap scene, women are both creating and consuming music that speaks to their identity.
Collaborative works are particularly significant in connecting female audiences. For instance, Crayon’s “Ngozi” featuring Ayra Starr bridges cultures, resonating deeply with women in Ghana and Kenya. Similarly, Nigerian audiences have embraced Ayra Starr’s infectious “Bad Vibes,” signifying music’s ability to express what many women feel.
Solo performances also strike a chord, with tracks like Tems’ intimate “Me & U” and Gyakie’s empowering “Rent Free” becoming anthems that accompany women through their daily lives, fostering recognition and celebration.
Albums as Cultural Chronicles
2024 has ushered in a new wave of female-centric storytelling through powerful album releases. Ayra Starr’s reflective “The Year I Turned 21” and Tems’ bold “Born in the Wild” have soared in popularity across Nigeria and Ghana, providing nuanced insights into the complexities of womanhood in contemporary Africa.
Listeners in Kenya are embracing both local talent and international hits, with SZA’s and Tyla’s recent albums capturing significant attention. These works not only entertain but also document women’s hopes and struggles, creating rich sonic spaces of both reflection and celebration.
A Mosaic of Musical Tastes
The last three months have unveiled a rich tapestry of women’s musical preferences. Many Ghanaian and Kenyan listeners are enjoying Kendrick Lamar’s contemplative “Luther” featuring SZA, alongside Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s emotionally charged “Die With A Smile.” In Nigeria, the sounds of Ruger and Tiwa Savage’s “Toma Toma” are captivating audiences, demonstrating that women are discerning tastemakers who are reconfiguring music trends and expectations.
Beyond the Music: Women Making Waves in Podcasts
The influence of women extends beyond traditional music platforms into the burgeoning podcast realm, where their voices resonate in new, dynamic ways. In Ghana, women are attracted to a diverse range of podcast content, from spiritual discussions with Apostle Joshua Selman to the comedic tones of ShxtsNGigs. Meanwhile, Kenyan listeners engage deeply with intimate storytelling in podcasts like “So This Is Love” and “The 97s Podcast.”
In Nigeria, popular spiritual and cultural podcasts such as Apostle Femi Lazarus and I Said What I Said foster vital conversations that elevate women’s experiences and perspectives, creating community and reflection.
Numbers Succinctly Speak of Progress
A significant surge in female listenership across the region has been recorded, with Nigeria experiencing a 108% increase, followed by Kenya at 26% and Ghana at 24%. These statistics are a clear testament to women’s rising cultural and economic power as they actively influence and reshape the entertainment landscape through their engagement with music and podcasts.
As we reflect on women’s contributions during Women’s History Month, the trends emerging in music and podcast consumption illuminate a lively narrative: African women are not only participating in culture but are actively reimagining it. With every stream, playlist, and shared track, they are penning a new chapter in the continent’s rich musical legacy, one that firmly places women’s voices at its core.
