South African Music Industry 2024/25 Season: Milestones and Records Ahead of SAMAs

As the 31st South African Music Awards (SAMAs) approach, it is worth reflecting on the achievements of the 2024/25 music season, both digitally and on traditional platforms. The period has seen record-breaking streams, chart-topping hits, and notable firsts for South African artists.

Digitally, the 2024/25 season has set unprecedented milestones on South African Spotify. ‘Biri Marung’ became the first song to reach 1.41 million streams in a single week, surpassing previous records set by ‘Imithandazo’ (1.3 million weekly streams) and ‘Keinelwe’ (1.04 million weekly streams). Eight months later, Umafikizolo’s ‘Uyoncengwa Unyoko’ broke this record with 1.42 million weekly streams, making it the first Maskandi song in history to achieve over 1 million streams in a week.

Gospel artist Nontokozo Mkhize also made history by entering the Top 2 on South African Spotify weekly charts, becoming the first South African female artist in 2025 to record the largest opening week streams for an album at that time. In September, Makhadzi surpassed this record with her own release.

Thukuthela and Jazzworx also made notable digital achievements, becoming the first South African artists to reach 1 million streams in a week on multiple occasions, each achieving this milestone four times.

On traditional platforms, the 2024/25 season also saw historic moments. Zee Nxumalo and Bassie became the first and only Amapiano female artists in 2024 to reach the No. 1 spot on South African radio stations. Oscar Mbo earned his first No. 1 song with ‘Vuka’ on radio, marking a career milestone.

Naledi Aphiwe became the youngest South African artist in history to win a Metro FM Award, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of talent. In 2025, the Amapiano hit ‘Ngisakuthanda’ became the first and only song in the genre to reach the No. 1 position on South African radio stations.

Other notable radio achievements include ‘Kusho Bani,’ ‘Abazazi Bafunani,’ and ‘What If (Mngani),’ which remain the highest-charting songs at No. 2 on South African radio stations in 2025. ‘What If (Mngani)’ is also the most played song by a South African hip hop artist on radio in 2025, reflecting the growing influence of the genre.

The 2024/25 season has demonstrated the breadth and diversity of South African music, from Maskandi and gospel to Amapiano and hip hop, while setting new benchmarks for streaming, radio play, and artist achievements. These milestones set the stage for a highly competitive and celebrated SAMA31, honoring the artists who have shaped the year in South African music.