Jamesty
As of the year 2025, the music landscape in South Africa is a lively tapestry of local and international talent. Streaming platforms such as Spotify showcase the nation’s enthusiasm for different sounds, ranging from amapiano to hip-hop and worldwide pop. Using the most recent statistics and trends, the following is an in-depth analysis of the top 10 musicians in South Africa who have the highest number of streams in 2025, which reflects the effect and attraction of these artists.
List Of Top 10 Most Streamed Artists In South Africa 2025
1. Drake
In 2025, Canadian rapper Drake maintains his position as South Africa’s most streamed artist, accumulating over 11 billion global streams on Spotify this year. His supremacy is reflected in South Africa, where he has occupied the top position on the Spotify Top Daily Streamed Artist Chart for 172 days in 2025. Tracks such as “One Dance” and recent releases resonate with South African listeners, harmonizing with the country’s affinity for hip-hop and crossover genres. Drake’s persistent chart dominance, despite competition from local amapiano artists, highlights his international allure.
2. Kabza DeSmall
Kabelo Motha, also known as Kabza De Small, is the clear king of amapiano. He is the second most streamed artist in South Africa. His album Isimo was the most streamed in South Africa in 2024, and songs like “Imithandazo” are still at the top of playlists. Kabza was the number one artist on the Spotify Top Daily Streamed Artist Chart for 19 days in 2025, showing that he still has a lot of power. His work with artists like DJ Maphorisa and Young Stunna has made amapiano the most popular genre in South Africa.
3. Gunna Gunna
American rapper Gunna, occasionally stylized as “1Gunna Gunna” in regional charts, occupies the third position with his melodic trap and fluid delivery. His 2025 album One of Wun has garnered significant popularity in South Africa, especially for tracks such as “Fukumean.” Gunna’s global allure, coupled with his capacity to integrate into amapiano remixes, has enhanced his streaming numbers, positioning him among the leading artists despite his non-local status. His three-day tenure at the top of the Spotify chart underscores his increasing influence.
4.Thukuthela
Thukuthela, a rising amapiano musician, has made waves in 2025, coming in fourth place. Thukuthela is known for songs like “Isaka (6am)” with CIZA and Jazzworx1. His success is linked to the genre’s popularity around the world. Thukuthela is a new amapiano musician who has been at the top of Spotify’s Top Daily Streamed musician Chart for two days. He has been enchanting South African audiences with his new, danceable sounds.
5. Kelvin Momo
In early 2025, Kelvin Momo became South Africa’s most streamed musician on Spotify, moving up to fifth place. Fans have really connected with his soulful, jazzy approach on amapiano, which can be heard on albums like Kurhula and Sewe. He spent 28 days at number one on the Spotify list. Momo’s complex production and deep emotions have made him stand out, with songs like “Amalobolo” topping playlists.
6. DjMaphorisa
DJ Maphorisa, who helped start amapiano, is in sixth place because he makes so much music and works with so many people. Maphorisa’s influence is clear, as he appears on five songs on Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List, including “Abantwana Bakho” with Kabza De Small and “Uyaphapha Marn” with Scotts Maphuma. He is a musical powerhouse since he was number one on the Spotify list for four days and helped amapiano reach people all over the world.
7. Chrisbrown
Chris Brown, the American R&B star who is ranked seventh, is still a big hit in South Africa. His album 11:11 was one of the most streamed albums in 2024, and songs like “Angel Numbers / Ten Toes” keep doing well. South Africans like Brown’s mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, which helps explain why he stays in the top 10 across Southern Africa.
8. Jazzworx1
Jazzworx1, a name that is becoming more and more popular in the amapiano industry, is in ninth place. Jazzworx1 is known for working with Thukuthela and CIZA on “Isaka (6am)” and with GL_Ceejay and MaWhoo on “Uzizwa Kanjan.” They add a new, jazzy twist to the genre. The fact that they are becoming more popular shows how diverse amapiano is, combining old and new styles.
9. Sjava
Sjava, a well-known South African hip-hop and maskandi artist, comes in at number nine. He was the most streamed SA hip-hop artist in 2024, and his spiritually resonant songs like “Uvalo” with Usimamane and the deluxe edition of Isibuko continue to draw in listeners. Sjava’s ability to mix vulnerability with cultural storytelling makes him a favorite on the streaming charts in 2025.
10.Umafikizolo
Umafikizolo, a maskandi pair that will become more popular in 2025, rounds off the list. Their traditional Zulu music, which has been updated with modern production, has struck a chord with South African audiences, especially in both rural and urban areas. They are newcomers to the popular streaming world, but their cultural authenticity and growing repertoire make them one of the most streamed acts.
