Afrobeats Soars on Spotify as Fans Fuel Global Takeoff

Spotify has launched a dedicated Global Afrobeats Playlist to celebrate the genre’s growing influence and global adoption. The platform reported that Afrobeat has become a major cultural force, impacting global fashion, dance, and music trends. The playlist features 80 Afrobeats songs with a total playtime of 3 hours and 45 minutes, including tracks such as “PUSH 2 START” by Tyla, “With You” by Davido ft. Oma Lay, and “Soso” by Omah Lay [1].

Afrobeats, which originated in Nigeria and Ghana between the 2000s and 2010s, has grown from a regional genre to a global phenomenon. It blends elements of rap, dancehall, R&B, and house music, creating a distinctive sound that has resonated with audiences worldwide [1]. The genre has seen a dramatic increase in streaming activity in Asia, with Indonesia recording a 4,530% surge in Afrobeats streams between 2020 and 2025. India followed with a 1,650% increase, while the Philippines and Thailand saw growth of 1,492% and 1,370%, respectively [1].

In addition to Asia, Afrobeats has gained traction in Latin America, where the genre saw an 183% year-on-year growth in 2025 [2]. This expansion highlights the genre’s broad appeal and the growing influence of African music on the global stage. Spotify noted that the rise of Afrobeats is driven not only by artists but also by fans who are curating and sharing the music across the world.

User engagement with Afrobeats on the platform has also surged, with a 135% increase in user-generated playlists featuring the genre between 2020 and 2025 [1]. This data underscores the growing role of listeners in shaping the global music landscape. Spotify emphasized that this trend reflects how fans are not only consuming music but also actively contributing to its global dissemination.

The platform identified Gen Z as a key demographic in this movement, with playlists like Hot Hits Naija, Gbedu, and Street Energy capturing the raw energy of Nigerian youth culture. These playlists have seen millions of plays globally, with Hot Hits Naija alone amassing over 20 million plays [2]. The Afrobeats Adura playlist also experienced a 51% increase in average monthly plays, further highlighting the genre’s rising popularity.

Spotify’s Senior Music Editor for Sub-Saharan Africa, Benewaah Boateng, stressed that the Global Afrobeats Playlist is a reflection of fan-driven momentum. “The launch of our Global Afrobeats Playlist isn’t about Spotify leading the charge; it’s about us following the fans,” she stated [1]. The playlist is positioned as a celebration of the fans who have helped elevate Afrobeats to a global force and serves as a platform for the genre to continue its upward trajectory.

Source:

[1] Afrobeats: Spotify records 135% growth in user-generated ... (https://technext24.com/2025/09/01/afrobeats-spotify-surge-playlist-create/)

[2] Afrobeats Goes Global: Spotify Launches Playlist to Celebrate ... (https://www.thediggernews.com/2025/08/30/afrobeats-goes-global-spotify-launches-playlist-to-celebrate-genres-explosive-growth/)