Top ranking African countries in the music industries

Many African countries are making a name for themselves in the music industry. Some of these countries have even managed to rank high on various global music charts.

The advent of technology devices such as smartphones and tablets made music more accessible than ever before to African audiences. Rappers and singers from across the continent are coming up every year with their sounds and songs, managing to make noise in different mainstream genres. Thus, this makes it important for us to rank these countries by their popularity within the African continent itself.

This list will rank the top 10 African countries that have managed to make a name for themselves in the global music industry. All these rankings are based on local popularity as well as international recognition.

Top ranking African countries in the music industries

1. Nigeria:

Nigeria country is home to many talented artists including music celebrities like Wizkid, Davido, and Mr. Eazi. Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” topped the charts of many different countries which also included Nigeria. Davido’s “Fall” also topped the iTunes Hip Hop charts in many different countries including Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt.

This shows that Nigerian artists are indeed the best in the continent. However, Nigeria is not just about these two superstars as other young rappers and singers are making waves in their own right with many of their songs gaining popularity across Africa.

2. South Africa:

This country is home to some of the biggest names in African music, including Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest.

South Africa is ranked as one of the top African countries that have managed to make a name for themselves in international music industries with acts such as AKA and Anatii getting recognition outside of the continent.

This country is so popular especially amongst Africans that SA artists have been able to monopolize the charts of other African countries, with many songs from top South African musicians topping the charts across the continent.

3. Ghana:

Big names such as Sarkodie and Shatta wale are dominating not just within Ghana but all across West Africa. Ghana is not just about these two superstars but other young rappers are also coming up with their sounds, making Ghana one of the top-ranking countries in Africa.

Most of these artists have been able to sustain their popularity over the years, which is a testament to their talent and consistency in releasing quality music.

4. Kenya:

This East African country has long been known for its rhythmic music across the continent. The homegrown talents include Sauti Sol, Bahati, Lady Wanja, P-unit, and others who have gained not only local but international recognition for themselves through various songs including “Rafiki”, “Sura Yako” and “Unajua”.

5. Morocco:

This Northern African country has recently seen an increase in activity within its music industry with artists such as Najim releasing many hit tracks locally and internationally. Artists such as Saad Lamjarred and Zouhair Bahaoui have gained international recognition for themselves, showing that Morocco is very much a part of the top-ranking African countries in music.

6. Algeria:

For a long time, Algerian rappers were known to be one of the best in Africa. Artists such as Mokobé and L’Algerino were pioneers within the Algerian rap scene and still enjoy a lot of success with their songs, especially amongst the Algerian community living in France.

This Northern African country has always been known to produce hip-hop artists that have evolved over the years with a unique sound, thus gaining listeners within and outside of the continent. Artists such as Soolking, and Djalil Palermo have made noise internationally, making Algeria a country to watch out for in African music.

7. Democratic Republic of Congo:

Cameroon has famous rappers such as Fally Ipupa and Jovi who have made a name for themselves not just within Cameroon but also all across Africa and Europe through various songs that they released over the years including “Mbongo Zaka” and “Même Pas Fatigué”.

8. Angola:

Hip-hop first originated from this country so it’s no surprise to see many successful acts throughout the continent, including Kiluanje System whose song “Brick” was highly popular in Angola and beyond.

This country is home to various talented artists and is ranked as one of the top African countries that have managed to make a name for themselves in the international music industries.

9. United Republic of Tanzania:

This East African country has produced many talented rappers and singers such as Willy Paul, Diamond Platnumz (who sing “Nishiki”), Fid Q, and Juma Nature, who of which has gained both local and international recognition for themselves. Tanzania has long been known to produce rap and reggae artists and is one of the top African countries that have managed to make a name for themselves in the music industry.

10. Senegal:

This West African country is home to various young rappers such as Xuman, Daara J Family, and Dokhtar whose songs are dominating the music industries in Senegal not just locally but also internationally. Senegal has long been known to produce popular rap artists who have proved to be very successful over the years.

This country has seen an increase in talented local artists, their releases are also making waves and gaining massive traction in the country and beyond. Artists such as Kaaris and Niska, amongst others are creating a buzz for themselves locally and internationally.

Conclusion

These are the top-ranking African countries in the music industry. These rankings are compiled by looking at both local and international statistics of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, United Republic of Tanzania, and Senegal.

Artists from these countries regularly feature in charts that include global music industry charts such as Top Billboard 100 Songs Chart or UK Singles Charts making them among some of the best musical acts in Africa.

Different African countries have unique musical sounds and genres which is why various artists from across the continent can make a name for themselves, thus resulting in the popularity not just for them but also gives popularity to their country on the global charts.