The biggest sounds of 2021

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Top tracks

The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights took this year’s top spot as the most-streamed track in South Africa. Despite its release in 2020, the popular song was also the #1 most streamed track around the world. South Africans also showed much love for Busta 929 and Mpura’s Amapiano’s hit Umsebenzi Wethu, which came in at #2. Local hits such as Summeryomuthi by Blaq Diamond (#4), Banyana by DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU (#7), and John Wick by De Mthuda (#10) also made the list.

Top tracks from SA artists

The #1 most-streamed top track from local artists goes to Umsebenzi Wethu by Busta 929 and Mpura. Blaq Diamond’s Summeryomuthi, came in at #2, followed by Banyana by DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU at #3.

Top albums

The Weeknd smashed it again. Not only did he win ‘Top Track’ of 2021, but his 2020 album, After Hours was the #1 most-streamed album in South Africa. Drake’s Certified Lover Boy came in at #2 and local hometown favourite Riaan Benadé’s Spontaan nabbed the #3 spot. Another local favourite, Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon came in at #7.

Top albums from SA Artists

Pretoria-born crooner, Riaan Benadé, was the local favourite as his album Spontaan won the hearts of the nation coming in at #1. Songstress Makhadzi wasn’t far behind with her album Kokovha coming in at #2, followed by B4Now by Blxckie at #3.

Top female artists

Interestingly enough, music fans in South Africa turned to global artists such as American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift who reigned queen as the #1 most streamed female artist, followed by Billie Eilish (#2) and Beyoncé (#3). Local artist Mahkhadzi broke through the top five, representing the best of 2021 and coming in at #4.

Top male artists

South Africans preferred to listen to a mix of pop and rap artists as global rapper Drake came in at #1, beating Justin Bieber (#2) and the Weekend (#3). Local stars such as DJ Maphorisa came in at #8 and Kabza De Small followed right behind at #9.

Top podcasts

South Africans needed a reason to laugh. No wonder they turned to Podcast and Chill with MacG. Music was also an important topic as KnightSA89 – MidTempo Sessions Uploads came in at #2 followed by DownTown Music at #3 and Amapiano Pandemic at #8.

“Much like the rest of the world, South Africans clearly couldn’t get enough of The Weeknd this year. Even though his album is nearly two years old, we clearly loved the new wave vibe,” says Sotiris Moldovanos, editor for Africa at Deezer. “I was also impressed to see how well local singer Makhadzi has done this year, competing against global female artists and holding her own in the top five. I’m also looking forward to seeing the likes of Busta 929, Mpura and DJ Maphorisa produce hit tracks in the coming year.”

To listen to all the top tracks from this year, go here.