Over 200 African artists appeared on Apple Music-owned Shazam’s Global Top 200 chart during the past year as African music continues to gain global recognition.
That’s according to new data from Shazam on Monday (July 28), showing that 12 tracks by African artists reached the Shazam Global Top 10, with three reaching the No. 1 position: Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix] by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea; My Darling by Chella, and Biri Marung (feat. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii) by Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego.
The 12 African songs that have reached the Shazam Global Top 10 are:
- With You (feat. Omah Lay) by Davido
- Venus by Faceless & Serøtonin
- Show Me Love by WizTheMc
- Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix] by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
- NINAO by GIMS
- Ngishutheni by Goon Flavour, Master KG, Eemoh
- My Darling by Chella
- Laho by Shallipopi
- Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche by Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & His Trio
- Joy Is Coming by Fido
- Funds by Davido feat. ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike
- Biri Marung (feat. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii) by Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego
Apple Music’s Ole Obermann said: “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.”
“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.”
Nigerian singer-songwriter Chella said: “Shazam has been an important music tool for me, helping me connect with people around the world and letting them discover my sound.”
“’My Darling’ got picked up by many on Shazam, and that pivoted my career shift positively.”
Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Moliy added: “It’s been incredible to see how far ‘Shake It to the Max’ has travelled. 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.”
The data comes as Shazam reports more than 300 million global monthly users and over 100 billion global song recognitions since it launched.
Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana led African countries in chart appearances on Shazam.
Over the past year, the Top 10 African Songs on the Shazam Global Top 200 are:
- Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix] – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea
- Biri Marung (Edit) [feat. 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
The report comes nearly three years after Shazam launched national Top 200 charts in 17 new countries across Africa and Asia. Those new countries include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia.
At the time, Apple Music told MBW that Shazam has played a particularly key role in taking African artists to a global audience on its platform.
Music Business Worldwide
