Tag: mom

Spotify’s Mother of Music Campaign Celebrates the City’s Unmistakable Sound and Culture

August 1, 2025

Over the past six weeks, Spotify’s been in the vibrant city of Durban in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, for our annual Mother of Music (MOM) event. We’ve celebrated the rich creative culture surrounding the Durban-born genre Gqom, along with Amapiano and Kwaito music—uniquely South African genres that have significantly shaped the trajectory of African music at large and captured the attention of fans worldwide.

From Umqhumos (a South African taxi Gqom-blasting experience complete with local dancers) to Durban nightlife photography exhibitions at the MOM Spirit Home at Hue Cafe in Berea, we’ve hosted a number of events that attracted music fans across Durban. The festivities put some of Durban’s foundational music figures in the spotlight, like dancer, Gqom MC, radio host, and media personality TDK Macassette; prominent Afro-house DJ, producer, and radio host DJ LESOUL; hip-hop and soul king Asvnte; and rising Gqom star DJ Cndo, while featuring collaborations with local streetwear brands like Richmanskyf, Refuse, and Elizabeth Dust, celebrating the visual and kinetic energy that defines Durban.

“Gqom is more than a genre,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in sub-Saharan Africa. “It’s a movement. And it started here. MOM gives us a chance to honor Gqom’s roots, spotlight the artists, and fuel its next chapter.”

The triple threat: Gqom, Amapiano, and Kwaito

Bred in Durban’s underground scenes, Gqom found its footing around 2009. The city’s minibus taxis became an integral part of Gqom culture, playing host to dance battles and giving commuters a place to share and rate the latest tracks. The vibrant Bhenga dance culture emerged soon thereafter, with expressive moves that feature wavy arms, toe-tapping, wobbly knees, and intricate footwork. 

With its raw, hypnotic sound born in the backrooms of KwaMashu, Gqom has seen a truly meteoric rise: Spotify recorded a staggering 5,732% growth in global Gqom streams since 2018. Check out the top 10 global Gqom hits:

    1. “Ama Gear” by Dlala Thukzin, Funky Qla, MK Productions, and Zee Nxumalo
    2. “Ngeke” by Big Nuz and Dj Yamza
    3. “Omunye” by Benny Maverick, Distruction Boyz, and Dladla Mshunqisi
    4. “John Cena” by Sho Madjozi
    5. “Hade Boss” by DJ Lag, K.C Driller, and Mr Nation Thingz
    6. “Sohlala Sisonke” by  Dlala Thukzin, MK Productions, and Zeh McGeba
    7. “Banomoya” by Busiswa, Prince Kaybee, and TNS
    8. “Midnight Starring” by Busiswa, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, Distruction Boyz, Moonchild Sanelly, and Rude Boyz
    9. “Ngibambeni” by Mxolisi Khumalo, YANII
    10. “Eyadini” by Dason, Manqonqo, and Saviour Gee

While Amapiano has found worldwide appeal, Durban artists have infused the genre with a unique, gritty, and soulful flavor. It’s a sound deeply influenced by the city’s Gqom roots, born from township ingenuity and a distinct local vibe. This is the music of artists like Dlala Thukzin, MaWhoo, Distruction Boyz, and Rudeboyz, who are carrying the torch passed down by their house and Kwaito forebears.

Amapiano’s rise is nearly incomprehensible, with an explosive 114,377% growth in global streams between 2018 and 2024. The top 10 Amapiano tunes globally and their makers are:

    1. “Imithandazo (feat. Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa, Sizwe Alakine & Umthakathi Kush)” by DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Mthunzi, Sizwe Alakine, Umthakathi Kush, and Young Stunna
    2. “Mnike” by Ceeka RSA, DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Tumelo_za, Tyler ICU, and Tyrone Dee
    3. “Awukhuzeki” by DJ Stokie, Omit ST, Sobzeen, and Zee_nhle
    4. “Masithokoze” by DJ Stokie, and Eemoh
    5. “Imnandi lento” by Mellow & Sleazy, SjavasDaDeejay, TitoM, and Tman Xpress
    6. “Izenzo” by Aymos, Bassie, and T-Man SA
    7. “Mina Nawe” by Emotionz DJ, Happy Jazzman, Mashudu, and Soa Mattrix
    8. “Keneilwe” by Dalom Kids, Master KG, Nkosazana Daughter, and Wanitwa Mos
    9. “SETE” by Blxckie, K.O, and Young Stunna
    10. “Sukakude” by Babalwa M, Kelvin Momo, and Sfarzo Rtee

Kwaito’s 9,820% rise since 2018 is also staggering. The hottest Kwaito songs on the global charts are:

    1. “Lento” by Professor and Speedy
    2. “Khona” by Mafikizolo and Uhuru
    3. “Nkalakatha” by Mandoza
    4. “Magasman” by Lebo Mathosa and Trompies
    5. “Sister Bethina” by Mgarimbe
    6. “Ngomhla Wosindiso – 2014” by Zola
    7. “Live My Life” by Winnie Khumalo
    8. “Sweety Lavo” by Copperhead, OSKIDO, and Trompies
    9. “Be There” by Big Nuz, DJ Ganyani, and MLU
    10. “Umdlwembe” by Zola

Through Mother of Music, we are reaffirming our commitment to telling local stories that have global resonance. With Gqom, Durban built a genre that shook the world, and the world is still dancing.

Stream our MOM playlist on Spotify.

From Family Time to Me Time, Here’s How Moms Say They’re Using Music and Podcasts

May 8, 2020

Mother’s Day is always a special time, yet this year the occasion—and motherhood in general—looks a little different. That’s why Spotify asked more than 3,000 moms in Australia, Canada, and the U.S. how they’re navigating the new normal and how music and podcasts are playing a role. As it turns out, audio content is truly helping moms make the most of family time. 

Of mothers surveyed, 78% have used music to connect with their kids in the past month, while a third say they’ve listened to podcasts with their kids for fun, education, or even as a break from screen time. Case in point: Story Pirates, a podcast featuring stories by kids for kids, has seen a 39% boost in Spotify streams since March. 

That’s not all we found. From dance parties to moments of meditation, here’s how moms are using music and podcasts to get through their days.

Multitasking master

When it comes to multitasking, no one does it quite like moms. A whopping 81% of those surveyed say they’re juggling at least one other task while streaming their favorite music or podcasts. The most popular activities? Chores, cooking, or working out. Looking for something new to stream while multitasking? Check out the “Listening Together” artist-created playlists in our Home Hub to find music for any task.

Movin’ and groovin’

At-home dance parties are the perfect way to shake off stress, get in some exercise, and boogie down with your quarantine cohorts. More than 40% of moms said they’ve started dance parties in the last month on their own or with their families. Our Dance Pop playlist has the hits you need to get the party started.

Can’t get you out of my head

Mom’s genre of choice? For 38% it’s pop, while 14% are rocking out to rock, and 13% are riding off into the sunset with country jams. Plus, since quarantine began, 30% of moms report having a catchy earworm stuck in their heads. Some of those songs include “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion, “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars,” Adore You” by Harry Styles,” Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, and “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk!.

Grrrl power 

If you had your very own podcast, who would your dream cohost be? For the moms surveyed, 35% said it would be their own mom, BFF, or grandma. If you’re looking for a parent-child duo for inspiration, check out fashion designer Cynthia Rowley’s show Ageless, cohosted by her daughter Kit.

Dancing on my own 

Yet besides using music and podcasts to spend time with family, many moms are also turning to their favorite music to get some much-needed alone time. More than half of those surveyed said they’re over listening to the content their kids want to listen to—and that they’ve used music to tune out their families. To get away, about a third of moms say they’re escaping to their bedrooms to listen to music or opting for a solo walk. Some moms (34% of respondents) say they’ve hopped in the car to drive to nowhere just to blast a few songs in solitude. If the windows-down, wind-in-your-hair vibe sounds like your thing, we’ve got a playlist just for that. Another option for Spotify Premium Family Plan subscribers is Spotify Kids, which allows children to explore audio with you or on their own—or enjoy kid-friendly audio handpicked for them.

All the feels 

It’s probably no surprise that moms (like many of us) are just taking things one day at a time. According to 67%, that’s how they’ve handled these past few weeks. Meanwhile, 30% described their mood as “frustrated,” another 30% said they were “anxious,” and 35% said they’ve cried along to a song in the last month. At this unprecedented time, it’s important that those who take such good care of their families also take care of themselves. Moms can check out Daily Wellness for a personalized mix of motivational podcasts, and feel-good music can help create a little “me time” in their routines.

 

Whether they’re singing loud and proud or taking it easy with their favorite chill tracks, one thing’s for sure: Moms are rock stars.

That’s why this Mother’s Day, we created a playlist to celebrate and thank moms for all their hard work year-round. Between enjoying some alone time, cooking for your family, or dancing on your own, the Mother’s Day 2020 playlist has a little something for you.

Stream the Mother’s Day 2020 playlist below and have a happy Mother’s Day!

Add These Top-Streamed Moms to Your Mother’s Day Playlist

May 7, 2019

Still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day present? Look no further than the gift she may have given you: a love for music. Creating a homemade Mother’s Day playlist (much like those handmade cards you drew as a kid) can help you show your appreciation.  

This Mother’s Day, give your mom a little extra themed love by stocking that playlist full of the 10 top-streamed artist moms on Spotify. You can check them out below, as well as a song to possibly share with your own mama.

1. Cardi B

Cardi B has it all: style, swag, and a new bundle of joy. Since giving birth to daughter Kulture in July 2018, the Grammy-winning rapper hasn’t slowed down for a second (not surprising, considering last year’s energetic Coachella performance with a giant baby bump).

2. Beyoncé

Beyoncé is no stranger to sharing her family life with the world. She and husband Jay Z have three kids: Blue Ivy (seven), and twins Rumi and Sir (almost two). And who could forget Beyoncé’s beautiful pregnancy announcement?

3. Adele

Adele keeps her home life private, but fans know how dedicated she is to raising her son, Angelo, born in 2012. Three years after becoming a parent, she released her record-breaking third album, 25.

4. P!nk

Since having two kids—Willow (nine) and Jameson (two)—with motocross pro husband Carey Hart, P!nk has continued to churn out emotional dance-floor-ready hits while spreading the empowering messages she’s shared with her daughter.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0Qh38w01QRXK6KHIv0e3hb?si=UN3j7VU9RvO-3GAIzTgnCQ

5. Shakira

For Shakira, the Colombian singer-songwriter, dancer, businesswoman, and philanthropist, every day is busy—but she’s happy to spend time with her two young sons and husband, Spanish footballer Gerard Pique, whenever, wherever.

6. Kehlani

Rising R&B star Kehlani can now add “mom” to her growing resume; her daughter, Adeya, just arrived in March 2019.

7. Britney Spears

It might seem like just yesterday that Britney Spears was a teenager herself, but the superstar singer now has two of her own. Her Instagram is full of sweet tributes to her sons, Sean and Jayden.

8. Alicia Keys

It’s safe to say that Alicia Keys’ children have music in their blood; the multiple-Grammy winner shares two sons, Egypt (eight) and Genesis (four), with fellow musician Swizz Beatz.

9. Christina Aguilera

In between making music and inspiring young talent on The Voice, Christina Aguilera is a mom to two young kids, Max (eleven) and Summer (four).

10. Mariah Carey

Pop queen Mariah Carey is a legend and an icon to fans, and to her eight-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe, she’s “Mom.”

But you don’t need to stop with these rockin’ moms. “A Song for Mama” by Boyz To Men is the most-added song to listener-created Happy Mothers Day playlists. It’s followed by Meghan Trainor’s track “Mom” which features vocals from her mom, Kelli. ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” are also popular picks. You’ll be in good company: Streams of user playlists titled “Happy Mother’s Day” have grown each year since 2016, increasing 19% from 2016 to 2018.

For more inspiration, take a listen to the official Happy Mother’s Day playlist.