Nigerian artists dominated Shazam’s Global Top 200 chart with six of the top 12 artists coming from Nigeria. This milestone shows the rising popularity of African music worldwide, as 12 African songs have reached the Shazam Global Top 10, three even hitting No. 1. Shazam, owned by Apple Music, has become a key platform for showcasing African talent to its 300 million monthly users.
Over the past year, more than 200 African artists appeared on Shazam’s Global Top 200 chart. Among them, Nigerian artists stand out, claiming half of the top 12 spots. This success reflects the growing influence of African music, with 12 tracks breaking into the Global Top 10.
The three songs that reached No. 1 are “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.
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Here are the 12 African songs that made it to the Shazam Global Top 10:
“With You (feat. Omah Lay)” by Davido (Nigeria), “Venus” by Faceless & Serøtonin, “Show Me Love” by WizTheMc (South Africa), “Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix]” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea (Ghana), “NINAO” by GIMS (DR Congo), “Ngishutheni” by Goon Flavour, Master KG, Eemoh (South Africa), “My Darling” by Chella (Nigeria), “Laho” by Shallipopi (Nigeria), “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” by Gentleman Mike Ejeagha & His Trio (Nigeria), “Joy Is Coming” by Fido (Nigeria), “Funds” by Davido feat. ODUMODUBLVCK & Chike (Nigeria), “Biri Marung (feat. Sje Konka, Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Scotts Maphuma & CowBoii)” by Mr Pilato, Ego Slimflow & Tebogo G Mashego (South Africa)
Shazam, which has logged over 100 billion song recognitions since its launch, helps listeners discover music from around the world. 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.”
He noted that African music is shaping today’s most innovative sounds, and Shazam users are embracing these tracks as they climb the charts.
Nigerian singer-songwriter Chella, whose song “My Darling” hit No. 1, credits Shazam for her global reach. “Shazam has been an important music tool for me, helping me connect with people around the world and letting them discover my sound,” she said. “’My Darling’ got picked up by many on Shazam, and that pivoted my career shift positively.”
The data also shows Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana leading African countries in Shazam chart appearances. This highlights the continent’s diverse and growing presence in the music industry.
Here are the Top 10 African Songs on Shazam’s Global Top 200 over the past year:
“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.
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As African music gains momentum, Shazam continues to bridge the gap between artists and listeners, bringing Nigeria and the continent’s vibrant sounds to the world stage.
