A recent report released by Spotify says that the number of female listeners is rising across Africa, with Nigeria seeing a 108% increase, Kenya 26%, and Ghana 24%, highlighting the growing influence of women in shaping entertainment trends.
Women are not only consuming more music but also driving cultural shifts within the industry. South African singer Tyla recently became the first African solo artist to reach one billion Spotify streams with her viral hit “Water”, while Nigerian artist Tems achieved the same milestone as the first female African artist to do so.
Their success signals a shift toward greater female representation in global music.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, women are engaging with music that reflects their experiences.
Nigerian Afrobeats, Ghanaian Hiplife, and Kenyan Rap resonate deeply with female audiences, while collaborations such as “Ngozi” by Crayon and Ayra Starr continue to gain popularity.
Solo tracks like Tems’ “Me & U” and Gyakie’s “Rent-Free” have also become anthems for many listeners.
Recent album releases have further amplified women’s voices in the industry. Ayra Starr’s “The Year I Turned 21” and Tems’ “Born in the Wild” have dominated charts in Nigeria and Ghana, while Kenyan listeners have embraced both local and international sounds, including SZA’s “SOS Deluxe: LANA” and Tyla’s “TYLA+”.
Explaining the popularity of these albums, the report says: “These albums serve as cultural blueprints, documenting women’s hopes, struggles, and triumphs while creating sonic spaces for reflection and celebration.”
Beyond music, female audiences are turning to podcasts, using them as platforms for expression and discussion.
In Ghana, women are engaging with faith-based content, comedy, and cultural commentary. Kenyan listeners favour intimate storytelling podcasts, while Nigerian women gravitate toward spirituality and cultural discussions.
“These achievements aren’t just numbers—they represent a cultural shift where women’s voices are increasingly centered in narratives that were previously dominated by men,” the report by Spotify says.
