How Worship Collectives and Gospel Playlists Are Soundtracking Easter in Africa

Posted on April 18, 2025

Globally, over 800,000 gospel playlists were created on Spotify during the past three Easter weekends.

This reveals how listeners around the world turn to gospel music as both a spiritual anchor and a celebratory soundtrack.

Among these, audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa contributed more than 70,000 playlists, highlighting the region’s deep connection to worship music and its evolving role in digital listening culture during this sacred season.

Global Worship Collectives Still Reign Supreme in SSA Gospel Streaming

As African gospel steadily expands its global footprint, Spotify data shows that ensemble-based worship collectives dominated Easter streaming across Sub-Saharan Africa.

US and Australian groups like Maverick City MusicElevation Worship, and Hillsong Worship continued to top charts, reflecting the powerful influence of global worship movements on local audiences.

Songs like Jireh and Firm Foundation (He Won’t) have performed well for the third consecutive Easter, showing a strong appetite for emotionally charged, live-recorded tracks that capture the intimacy and energy of a Sunday service.

While international groups held a strong presence, homegrown ensembles also made significant waves across the continent.

South African powerhouses Joyous Celebration and Spirit of Praise, both known for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary gospel, remain firm favourites.

They are the only African collectives in the top 10 most-streamed gospel tracks during Easter and have become pillars of the African gospel music scene.

Their performances, marked by exceptional vocals and innovative arrangements, continue to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

They are captivating audiences far beyond South Africa’s borders.

Tracks like Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 (Live) and Wenzile (Live) by Joyous Celebration, along with Thath’Indawo (Live) by Spirit of Praise, reflect the enduring appeal of anthemic, live-session recordings that mirror the communal spirit of church gatherings across the continent.

Curated Worship: The Rise of Gospel Playlists

Beyond just individual songs, many listeners across the region are turning to curated gospel playlists. Spotify data reveals that more than 70,000 gospel-themed playlists were created across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa over the past three years. This playlist culture is transforming gospel engagement, making the genre more accessible and reflective of personal and communal moments.

A Steady Soundtrack of Faith

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.

See below the list of top 10 gospel songs and playlists

Top 10 most streamed gospel songs

  1. Averly Morillo – Mesias (Live)

  2. Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Cody Carnes, Naomi Raine – Firm Foundation (He Won’t)

  3. Spirit Of Praise, Mpumi Mtsweni – Thath’Indawo (Live)

  4. Hillsong Worship, Brooke Ligertwood – What A Beautiful Name

  5. Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine – Jireh

  6. Victor Thompson, Ehis ‘D’ Greatest – THIS YEAR (Blessings)

  7. Ebuka Songs – I Will Pray

  8. Hillsong UNITED, TAYA – Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

  9. Moses Bliss, Festizie, Chizie, Neeja, S.O.N Music, Ajay Asika  – You Are Great

  10. Joyous Celebration – Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 (Live)

Top 10 gospel playlists 

  1. Praise and Worship

  2. African Gospel Hits

  3. Sunday Praise

  4. Top Christian & Gospel

  5. Testify

  6. Songs of Glory

  7. Be Lifted

  8. Gospel Greatness

  9. Clap & Tap

  10. Most Favored

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

President Bola Tinubu has described the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata as a titan of... Continue
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr.... Continue
ERNEST OMOARELOJIE  The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is currently going through one of its... Continue
In recognition of its position as a digital pioneer in the African banking landscape,... Continue
BOLA TINUBU  Today, we gather under a heavy shadow, drawn from the silence surrounding... Continue
MICHAEL AKINOLA This is not the best of times for the family of Mr.... Continue
MAZI EJIMOFOR OPARA At every market visited and every stop made, one is reminded... Continue
KINGSLEY EBERE    Operatives of the Commissioner of Police Tactical Squad, Ikeja, Lagos, have... Continue
The African Development Bank, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Nigeria’s Federal Government... Continue
KINGSLEY EBERE  A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi and  presided over by Hon... Continue

UBA


Access Bank

Twitter

Sponsored