[Johannesburg, 29 May 2023] In the world of music genres and emotions, there exists a unique space for mellow beats, effortlessly transporting us to tranquility and introspection. Among Gen Z listeners in South Africa, one trend shines brightly—their unwavering love for mellow music. From chill vibes to sad melodies and easy-listening anthems, the younger generation has wholeheartedly embraced these soothing sounds to navigate life’s complexities in a fast-paced world.
Whether it’s the introspective lyrics, delicate instrumentation, or soul-stirring vocal performances, according to Spotify data, mellow music has become a trusted companion for Gen Zs across Africa as they embrace the beauty of vulnerability and emotional depth.
For instance, in South Africa, Tom Odell’s Another Love, a track that delicately weaves a tale of pain and longing, illustrating the struggle to release a love that has faded away is the most listened-to mellow song among Gen Zs, along with Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”, another anthem of heartbreak. Capaldi holds three spots in South Africa’s top 10 most streamed mellow music tracks.
These standout songs, along with the others, offer a diverse range of introspective and emotive experiences. They touch upon universal themes of love, heartbreak, vulnerability, and self-reflection, making them resonate deeply with Gen Zs. Through their relatable lyrics and melodies, these songs provide a refuge for young listeners, offering solace and understanding amidst the complexities of their own personal journeys.
These tracks have found their home in meticulously curated mellow playlists like Chill Hits, Soft Pop Hits, and Soft Life among others. These playlists serve as sanctuaries for the wounded hearts seeking solace, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
As for the timing of mellow music consumption, South Africans tend to seek solace in the mellowness of their favourite tunes during one distinct period between 3:00 and 5:00PM, with the music keeping people company through the afternoon slump and as they finish off their days.
“Mellow music is a respite from the constant connectivity and information overload of the modern world, offering a space where listeners can find solace, connect with their emotions, and navigate the complexities of life at their own pace” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Africa.
Below is how South African Gen Zs are consuming mellow music
Top 10 tracks on mellow playlists among South African Gen Zs
- Another Love – Tom Odell
- Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
- Before You Go – Lewis Capaldi
- Lovely – Billie Eilish ft. Khalid
- Because You Move Me – Helsloot, Tinlicker
- Romantic Homicide – d4vd
- Get You The Moon (feat. Snøw) – Kina, Snøw
- Bruises – Lewis Capaldi
- Be Alright – Dean Lewis
- Say You Won’t Let Go, James Arthur
Top 5 mellow playlists among South African Gen Zs
About Spotify
Spotify transformed music listening forever when we launched in 2008. Our mission is to unlock the potential of human creativity by giving a million creative artists the opportunity to live off their art and billions of fans the opportunity to enjoy and be inspired by these creators. Everything we do is driven by our love for music and podcasts. Discover, manage, and share over 100 million tracks, including more than 5 million podcast titles, for free, or upgrade to Spotify Premium to access exclusive features for music including improved sound quality and an on-demand, offline, and ad-free music listening experience. Today, we are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with a community of 515 million users, including 210 million Spotify Premium subscribers, in over 180 markets.
Facebook: @SpotifyAfrica | Twitter: @SpotifyAfrica | Instagram: @spotifyafrica | #SpotifyAfrica
Download the Spotify app via the Android or iOS app store or by heading to www.spotify.com – to embed Spotify into a website – right click on any playlist, go to ‘share’ and copy embed code.