Major streaming service Deezer is celebrating the very best music streamed over the past year as they release their Best Of 2020 list. It seems like tracks released in 2019 were still going strong this year. The now iconic ‘Dance Monkey’ by Tones and I was released in 2019 and held onto the position as our most streamed song for 2020 in South Africa and across the globe. The same goes for chart smash-hits ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd and ‘Roses (Imanbek Remix)’ by SAINt JHN. All three also kept fans coming back for more after its release in 2019.
In Mzansi, R&B songstress Elaine reigned supreme with ‘Elements’ topping album streams overall. Kabza De Small was also a local favourite with three of his albums ranking amongst South Africa’s top 10 most streamed albums. Outside of home, The Weeknd took the no.1 spot for most played international album of 2020 with ‘After Hours.’
Amapiano king, Kabza De Small takes the crown as the country’s most streamed artist overall, followed by Drake at #2 and DJ Maphorisa ranking at #3. Globally, the Colombian superstar, J Balvin won for the third year in a row as the #1 most streamed international artist. The Weeknd was not far behind at #2, followed by Dua Lipa at #3 and Bad Bunny at #4.
“This is the year of home confinement and social distancing. Streaming helped many people cope and it may be telling that the top 10 tracks this year are all international, dancey and positive. We also saw some interesting trends, with 40% of our top 20 international albums made by black artists, compared to a quarter the year before. And our top 10 streamed international acts were equally split between genders this year. Music has always reflected the underlying dynamics of our society and 2020 is no different. I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings,” said Frédéric Antelme, Deezer’s VP of Content and Productions.
Top 10 artists (overall) in South Africa
Kabza De Small
Drake
DJ Maphorisa
Billie Eilish
The Weeknd
Ed Sheeran
Eminem
Beyoncé
Joyous Celebration
Chris Brown
Top 10 local artists in South Africa
Kabza De Small
DJ Maphorisa
Joyous Celebration
Spoegwolf
Elaine
Nasty C
Appel
Ami Faku
Snotkop
Elandre
Top 10 tracks (overall) in South Africa
Dance Monkey – Tones and I
Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
You’re the One – Elaine
Memories – Maroon 5
Roses (Imanbek Remix) – SAINt JHN
Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
everything i wanted – Billie Eilish
The Box – Roddy Ricch
Circles – Post Malone
Top 10 local tracks in South Africa
You’re the One – Elaine
Jerusalema – Master KG
eMcimbini – DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small
Lorch – Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa
Risky – Elaine
Umlilo – DJ Zinhle
Into Ingawe – Ami Faku, Sun-El Musician
Xola Moya Wam’ – Nomcebo Zikode
Tender Love – Sha Sha
Love You Tonight – MFR Souls
Top 10 albums (overall) in South Africa
Elements – Elaine
After Hours – The Weeknd
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? – Billie Eilish
I Am The King Of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust – Kabza De Small
Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial – Roddy Ricch
Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon – Pop Smoke
The Return Of The Scorpion Kings – DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small
Music To Be Murdered By – Eminem
Scorpion Kings Live – DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small
Hollywood’s Bleeding – Post Malone
Top 10 local albums in South Africa
Elements – Elaine
I Am The King Of Amapiano: Sweet & Dust – Kabza De Small
The Return Of The Scorpion Kings – DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small
Scorpion Kings Live – DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small
Country – Demi Lee Moore
Umuthi – Blaq Diamond
Spiritual Encounter – Bucy Radebe
Koma – Spoegwolf
See – Spoegwolf
Isphithiphithi – Samthing Soweto
Top five most streamed playlists in South Africa
Amapiano
SA’s Hottest Tracks
Soul of Mzansi
Hits of the Moment SA
Best Of SA House
Top 10 global artists
J Balvin
The Weeknd
Bad Bunny
Dua Lipa
Billie Eilish
Lady Gaga
Anitta
Eminem
Ed Sheeran
Ariana Grande
Top 10 global tracks
Dance Monkey – Tones and I
Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
Roses (Imanbek Remix) – SAINt JHN
Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa
Tusa – Karol G, Nicki Minaj
Ride It – Regard
The Box – Roddy Ricch
bad guy – Billie Eilish
RITMO (Bad Boys For Life) – Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin
Say So – Doja Cat
Top 10 global albums
After Hours – The Weeknd
WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? – Billie Eilish
The Kids Are Coming – Tones and I
Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon – Pop Smoke
Please Excuse Me For Being Antisocial – Roddy Ricch
Hot Pink – Doja Cat
Fine Line – Harry Styles
Future Nostalgia – Dua Lipa
Chromatica – Lady Gaga
Music To Be Murdered By – Eminem
Artists with the most Superfans
Eminem
BTS
Beyoncé
Queen
The Beatles
David Guetta
Maroon 5
AC/DC
Shakira
Justin Bieber
