By Babajide Awoyinfa
Spotify music streaming service data has shown a significant global attraction for gospel music during the Easter season.
According to the streaming service, users worldwide have created over 800,000 gospel playlists, which underscores the genre’s widespread and enduring appeal.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “The creation of over 800,000 gospel playlists on Spotify speaks volumes about the powerful and universal connection between this genre and the spirit of Easter.”
According to Okumu, the data shows that Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has emerged as a key region in this digital embrace of gospel music during Easter.
“This surge underscores the universal appeal of gospel music, serving as both a source of profound spiritual reflection and a soundtrack for celebratory moments.
“Contributing over 70,000 of the globally created playlists, SSA demonstrates the region’s deep-rooted affinity for worship music and its rapidly evolving digital listening habits during this significant religious season.
“Across Sub-Saharan Africa, gospel music remains a powerful soundtrack to Easter.
“It is a season of reflection, celebration, and community. Whether through the soaring harmonies of worship collectives or the ease of curated playlists, gospel continues to unite listeners in faith and joy,” she said.
Okumu said the data also revealed that ensemble-based worship collectives with international reach continue to hold significant sway in gospel music streaming across SSA during Easter.
She said groups hailing from the U.S. and Australia, such as Maverick City Music, Elevation Worship, and Hillsong Worship, have maintained their strong popularity.
“Tracks like “Jireh” and “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” have consistently ranked high over the past three Easters.
“This indicates a clear preference among listeners for emotionally charged, live recordings that capture the dynamic atmosphere of a church service.
“However, homegrown African ensembles are also making substantial waves across the continent,” she said.
She added that South African Powerhouses Joyous Celebration and Spirit of Praise, celebrated for their distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary gospel sounds, remain firm favourites.
“Notably, these two groups are the only African collectives to feature in the top 10 most-streamed gospel tracks during Easter, solidifying their status as pillars of the African gospel music scene.
“Their performances, marked by exceptional vocal talent and innovative musical arrangements, continue to resonate beyond South Africa’s borders, captivating audiences across the continent.
“Tracks such as “Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 (Live)” and “Wenzile (Live)” by Joyous Celebration, alongside “Thath’Indawo (Live)” by Spirit of Praise, exemplify the enduring appeal of anthemic, live-session recordings that mirror the communal spirit of church gatherings experienced throughout Africa.
“Beyond the popularity of individual tracks and worship collectives, Spotify data reveals a significant rise in the creation and consumption of curated gospel playlists across Sub-Saharan Africa.”
She said, over the past three years, more than 70,000 gospel-themed playlists had been created in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
“This growing trend in playlist curation is transforming how listeners engage with gospel music, making the genre more accessible and adaptable to personal and communal moments of reflection and celebration.
“Gospel music in Sub-Saharan Africa serves as a consistent and meaningful soundtrack for Easter, a period deeply rooted in reflection, celebration, and community.
“Whether through the powerful harmonies of renowned worship groups or the convenience of personalised playlists, gospel music continues to be a unifying force, bringing listeners together in faith and joy.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
