By AHA-Z Insights | Data as of December 2024

In a compelling reflection of global music trends and the growing influence of Ethiopian soundscapes, a recent ranking by AHA-Z Insights highlights the top 10 Ethiopian musicians on Spotify based on monthly listeners. This curated list not only recognizes streaming numbers but also offers a unique perspective on the cultural resonance and international appeal of Ethiopia’s musical heritage. Topping the chart with an unchallenged lead is none other than the godfather of Ethio-jazz—Mulatu Astatke.

A pioneer, a visionary, and now a streaming powerhouse, Mulatu Astatke commands a staggering 944,576 monthly listeners. Known as the creator of Ethio-jazz, his music—a hypnotic blend of traditional Ethiopian scales and Western jazz and funk—has transcended borders. With his tracks featured in international films, documentaries, and hip-hop samples, Astatke’s music continues to reach new audiences around the globe. This supremacy is not just in numbers but in cultural legacy.

Another torchbearer of the Ethio-jazz movement, Hailu Mergia, ranks second. Once a member of the legendary Walias Band, Mergia’s keyboard-driven melodies have found renewed interest, especially after his reemergence through reissues by labels like Awesome Tapes From Africa. His 209,166 listeners reflect the growing appetite for vintage Ethiopian funk and jazz.

The hauntingly beautiful solo piano compositions of Emahoy Tsege Mariam Gebru, a nun and composer, bring spiritual depth and minimalist elegance. With 186,980 monthly listeners, her music offers a meditative reprieve from today’s fast-paced soundscape, captivating a diverse international audience who are drawn to the serene, emotional quality of her work.

Renowned for his powerful saxophone and unique style often compared to free jazz, Getachew Mekuria bridges the world of traditional Ethiopian music with punk rock energy—particularly through collaborations with bands like The Ex. His place on the list is a testament to how experimental Ethiopian music continues to captivate.

An arranger, composer, and singer, Girma Beyene played a central role in Ethiopia’s golden era of music in the 1960s and ’70s. His gentle vocal delivery and layered arrangements still attract over 73,000 monthly listeners, boosted by his recent collaborations with contemporary revivalist bands like Akalé Wubé.

Ethiopia’s modern-day pop icon, Teddy Afro, comes in sixth—a surprising placement considering his superstar status at home. With 66,914 monthly listeners, this may reflect Spotify’s global user base and Teddy’s more localized audience reach due to his primarily Amharic-language discography and limited international digital distribution.

Often overshadowed by bigger names, Abdu Kiar’s soulful voice and vintage pop sound have seen a resurgence, with 61,119 monthly listeners tuning in to rediscover the nostalgic charm of Ethiopia’s past hits.

The late Eyob Mekonen, known for fusing reggae with Ethiopian themes, continues to live through his music. His songs about hope and justice resonate with both older and younger generations. His loyal fan base gives him a strong presence with 59,006 monthly listeners.

A futuristic force in Ethiopia’s music scene, Rophnan is the only artist on this list whose sound leans heavily into electronic and experimental Afrobeat. Despite the modern sound, he remains deeply rooted in Ethiopian rhythms and samples, carving a path for a new generation of artists and enjoying 58,883 listeners.

Completing the top 10 is Dawit Tsige, whose contemporary take on traditional Ethiopian music has won him a steady following. Known for his emotive voice and fusion arrangements, Tsige’s inclusion in the list showcases the ongoing evolution of Ethiopian musical identity.

The rankings are based on Spotify monthly listeners as of December 2024, compiled by AHA-Z Insights. The focus was on artists whose primary music language is Amharic or another native Ethiopian tongue. Global artists of Ethiopian descent, like Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), were excluded to maintain cultural relevance.

This list reaffirms Ethiopia’s powerful and evolving musical story. From Mulatu Astatke’s jazz royalty to Rophnan’s Afrofuturistic beats, Ethiopian musicians are not only preserving tradition but transforming it for global audiences. Whether you’re a lifelong listener or just discovering the richness of Ethiopian music, this chart is an invitation to explore deeper.