In 2025, South African music has taken a significant step forward, with Spotify’s Wrapped data highlighting the increasing global interest in its local artists. An impressive 1.3 billion hours of streaming dedicated to South African music showcases that the country’s talent is capturing attention. For the first time in years, local musicians occupy the majority of the charts, comprising 70% of the top 10 most-streamed artists, marking a notable change from 2024, when international musicians were more prevalent.
Within this landscape, Nasty C has affirmed his status as South Africa’s leading rapper on the global stage. Artists such as Tyla, Black Coffee, and DJ Maphorisa maintain their strong streaming presence, but Nasty C has reached new international audiences in 2025. His music resonates not only within the country but also crosses borders, leading to significant placements on playlists and spins on radio stations globally.
Spotify’s analytics indicate that the top 10 South African artists experienced nearly 1.5 billion streams in 2025, an increase from 1.1 billion in the previous year. This rising interest underscores a shift toward supporting local talent, with listeners increasingly embracing music produced in their own country. Nasty C, leveraging this trend, combines diverse lyrical flow with high-quality production appealing to a global audience.
Moreover, the Wrapped data reveals that the typical South African listener is 31 years old. The consumption trends extend beyond music, with video podcasts experiencing a 48% year-on-year increase. This highlights a desire among audiences for more than just music; they seek engaging narratives and cultural content. Nasty C’s visibility across various platforms enhances his influence, solidifying his role as a prominent figure not only in the music charts but also in the broader discussions surrounding South African hip hop.
From local venues to global arenas, Nasty C’s export capacity is unparalleled in 2025, demonstrating that South African hip hop is flourishing at home while making waves internationally.
Most Exported South African Artists 2025:
- Tyla
- Black Coffee
- DJ Maphorisa
- Master KG
- Lucky Dube
- Tyler ICU
- Kabza De Small
- Nomcebo Zikode
- Shimza
- Nasty C
Nasty C’s ascent signals an essential evolution in the South African music scene—one in which local artists are no longer just competing domestically but are also making a mark globally. The year 2025 may well be the year South African hip hop achieved true international recognition, with Nasty C at the forefront.
