African gospel music has emerged as a dominant genre in Sub-Saharan Africa, capturing widespread attention across the region.
According to Spotify Wrapped, African gospel music ranked ninth among the most-streamed genres in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024, a position previously dominated by foreign gospel music.
The genre, which includes the dynamic choirs of South Africa and the soul-stirring Nigerian gospel artists, has resonated with listeners through its powerful melodies and uplifting messages.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed excitement over the platform’s role in showcasing these artists.
“African gospel music is undergoing a global resurgence, inspiring millions and reshaping the global music scene.
We’re thrilled to empower these talented artists and choirs to share their faith and music with the world,” said Okumu.
The most-streamed gospel artist in Sub-Saharan Africa was Maverick City, followed by Nathaniel Bassey in second place and Joyous Celebration in third.
In terms of most-streamed tracks, B’Ola (Honour) by Sunmisola Agbebi topped the list, followed by I Will Pray by Ebuka Songs, and Praise by Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, and Chandler Moore.
The surge in popularity has been attributed to the growing influence of the Afro-gospel sound, which blends African rhythms with contemporary gospel, reshaping worship experiences worldwide.
Afro-gospel has evolved into a cultural movement, uniting people from various backgrounds across the globe.
Choirs like Joyous Celebration and Spirit of Praise from South Africa, along with Nigerian artists like 1Spirit and Theophilus Sunday, are redefining gospel music through their stunning performances, which feature exceptional vocals and innovative arrangements.
These performances have crossed cultural and geographical boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide.
The global recognition of African gospel music was further emphasized by the inclusion of eight African artists Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss, Limoblaze, Joyous Celebration, Dunsin Oyekan, Spirit of Praise, Sunmisola Agbebi, and Mercy Chinwo among the top 100 most-streamed gospel artists worldwide.
Spotify Wrapped, an annual feature offering users personalized insights into their listening habits, highlights the growing influence of African gospel music and Spotify’s mission to empower creative artists and connect them with millions of listeners.
Through its platform, Spotify aims to unlock the potential of human creativity, enabling artists to thrive while inspiring fans worldwide.
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