Kabza de Small and Sjava have proven to be South Africa’s musical heavyweights, as Spotify takes over social media with their viral marketing invention ‘Spotify wrapped’, which has revealed them as the most streamed artists in the country.
2024 was a big year for musicians in South Africa as the diverse sounds native to the country managed to cross the seven seas and reach the most unexpected audiences. It resonated with many other people and cultures, strengthening mzansi’s case as the best musical country in the world. With original genres such as amapiano, gqom, maskandi and afro-house becoming more mainstream across the world, an unimaginable number of doors have been opened for our artists to thrive locally and internationally.
Among the plethora of artists who made a name for themselves or gained an even bigger audience lies two men who have separated themselves from the crowd and emerged as two of the most streamed artists in the country. After consistently delivering timeless projects such as ‘Isimo’ in 2023, which consists of bangers such as ‘Imithandazo’, ‘Kabza Chant’ and ‘Amazwe’ along with collaborations such as ‘Wishi Wishi’ this year, Kabza de Small, born Kabelo Motha has arguably cemented his status as the king of amapiano.
Spotify revealed that Kabza was the most streamed local, with ‘Isimo’ being the most streamed album, furthermore, he is the second most streamed artist coming second only to Toronto’s very own Drake.
The most streamed South African artists in 2024 on SA ??Spotify
1. Kabza De Small
2. Kelvin Momo
3. Dj Maphorisa
4. Sjava
5. Mellow and sleazy
6. Lee Mckrazy
7. Master KG
8. Nkosazana Daughter
9. Joyous Celebration
10. Babalwa M pic.twitter.com/TUWQnEkVjJ— 2022 AFRICA (@2022AFRICA) December 5, 2024
Sjava, who was born Jabulani Hadebe on the other hand has flown mzansi’s flag high in the hip-hop genre as he is revealed as the most streamed hip-hop artist in the country. The news comes as no surprise as fans often speak about the spiritual nature of Sjava’s songs that resonates very deeply not only with South Africans but many other audiences across the world. The Bergville native has had quite the year, which was highlighted by his highly popular 2016 Tour as well as the release of the deluxe edition of his ‘Isibuko’ album.
His collaboration with upcoming star Usimamane ‘Uvalo’ also took off, as many resonated with both artists’ vulnerability, which is not too common in the hip-hop genre.
Sjava is officially crowned as the Most streamed SA Hip hop artist in 2024 on SA?? Spotify pic.twitter.com/aJj9GCMYEM
— 2022 AFRICA (@2022AFRICA) December 5, 2024
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter), Sjava penned a wholesome and heartfelt message of appreciation to his supporters as well as the talent who has been involved in getting him to where he is today. Furthermore, he encourages artists to invest in their writing as it has been the key to his own success.
I spend sleepless nights writing perfecting my pen abanye baze bangihleke bathi ngine stress ngihamba ngikhuluma ngedwa kanti ngiyabhala
if you want these results invest in your writing because at the end of the day its all about what you saying you need to say something for me… pic.twitter.com/ZoLOawem3A— Sjava indlalifa (@Sjava_atm) December 5, 2024
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