SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA EMERGES AS GLOBAL MUSIC HOTSPOT WITH 15.2 PERCENT REVENUE JUMP

The global recorded music industry recorded its eleventh consecutive year of growth in 2025, with revenues climbing 6.4 percent to reach US$31.7 billion, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). 

The findings, released in the Global Music Report 2026, highlight remarkable momentum across African markets, with Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) emerging as joint second-fastest growing regions worldwide.

Sub-Saharan Africa recorded revenue growth of 15.2 percent, with total revenues hitting US$120 million. South Africa continues to anchor the region’s expansion, contributing 78.1 percent of regional revenues following a 12.9 percent increase in 2025. The growth reflects engagement with streaming platforms and increasing investment in local artist development across the continent.

The MENA region matched Sub-Saharan Africa’s 15.2 percent growth, cementing its position as one of the world’s most dynamic music markets. Streaming remains the dominant force, accounting for a staggering 97.5 percent of total recorded music revenues in the region the highest streaming share of any global region.

Beyond Africa, all regions posted positive results in 2025, with four achieving double-digit growth: Latin America emerged as the world’s fastest-growing region, up 17.1 percent, marking its 16th consecutive year of expansion. Streaming accounts for 88.1 percent of regional revenues. Brazil climbed to 8th globally with 14.1 percent growth, while Mexico entered the top 10 after a 13.3 percent increase.

Asia delivered strong double-digit growth of 10.9 percent, maintaining its status as the largest physical market. Japan returned to growth (+8.9 percent), and China overtook Germany to become the world’s fourth-largest market after surging 20.1 percent.

Europe grew 5.6 percent, adding over US$500 million and holding a 30.4 percent global revenue share. USA & Canada expanded 3.5%, remaining the largest regional market with a 38.7 percent global share. Australasia posted 1.5 percent  growth, reaching US$623 million in revenues.

Paid subscription streaming continues to drive industry growth, with revenues increasing 8.8 percent to account for 52.4 percent  of global recorded music income. Total streaming revenues now exceed US$22 billion, representing 69.6 percent  of the global market. The number of paid streaming subscription users worldwide has reached 837 million.

Physical formats returned to growth for the first time in recent years, with revenues up 8.0 percent, fuelled by a 13.7 percent rise in vinyl its 19th consecutive year of growth. Performance rights revenues also climbed for the fifth successive year, reaching US$2.9 billion.

Record companies are actively shaping the future of music by engaging with generative AI developers who respect creator rights. The industry is developing licensing models designed to generate revenue opportunities for artists while ensuring technology supports not replaces human creativity.

At the same time, the sector is intensifying efforts to combat streaming fraud, which diverts revenues away from legitimate artists through artificially generated plays and fake content. IFPI is calling on streaming platforms, content aggregators, and distributors to take stronger preventive action.