In a striking revelation, Spotify has announced that the dominance of English-language music on global charts is waning, with a noteworthy surge in songs sung in a variety of languages. This shift is exemplified by the recent achievements of artists like Rosalía, who has made history by winning the Brit Award for Best International Artist with an album primarily in Spanish. As the streaming giant unveils its annual insights, it becomes clear that the music industry’s landscape is evolving dramatically.
A Multilingual Surge in the Charts
According to Spotify’s latest data, a remarkable 16 languages, including Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Turkish, Indonesian, and Arabic, featured in its Global Top 50 last year. This figure marks an impressive increase, more than doubling the number from just three years ago. The phenomenon is not merely anecdotal; it reflects a broader trend that is reshaping the musical preferences of listeners worldwide.
Leading this charge is Bad Bunny, who, singing exclusively in Spanish, claimed the title of the most-streamed artist globally. The Puerto Rican star’s massive appeal underscores a growing appetite for non-English music, especially among younger audiences who are increasingly exploring diverse genres. Similarly, Rosalía’s latest album, “Lux,” showcases her versatility, featuring songs in an impressive 14 dialects.
Spotify also highlighted the rise of Brazilian Funk as the fastest-growing genre globally, boasting a staggering 36% increase in listenership. K-Pop, another genre that has taken the world by storm, saw a 31% rise, while Trap Latino experienced a 29% growth. Each of these genres collectively earned over $100 million (£74.5 million) in royalties from Spotify last year, a testament to their burgeoning popularity.
The Persistence of English Dominance
Despite this wave of multilingual music, English still holds a significant position in the music industry. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) reports that out of the top 20 best-selling albums last year, 14 were performed solely in English. Yet, even within this framework, South Korean acts like Stray Kids, Enhypen, and Seventeen are making their mark, alongside Japan’s Mrs Green Apple, indicating that fans are increasingly willing to embrace music from outside traditional rock and pop paradigms.
In the UK, however, the embrace of non-English music remains tepid. Of the country’s top-selling songs last year, only two incorporated non-English lyrics, and these tracks—Rosé and Bruno Mars’ “APT” and Huntr/x’s “Golden”—were predominantly in English with select Korean phrases. This statistic starkly contrasts with the global trend, revealing a cultural gap that British listeners must address.
Royalty Distribution and the Streaming Economy
Spotify’s recent report also shed light on the financial landscape of the music industry, revealing that it distributed an impressive $11 billion (£8.2 billion) in royalties last year, up from $10 billion in 2024. This figure positions Spotify as the leading retailer in terms of artist compensation. In the UK alone, the streaming service paid out £860 million in royalties, marking a 6% increase year-on-year, with over three-quarters of this revenue generated from streams outside the UK.
The report indicated that around 150 UK artists made over £1 million in payouts last year, with the number of musicians earning more than £500,000 having more than doubled since 2018. Globally, the top 80 recording artists each rake in over $10 million (£7.4 million) annually from Spotify alone. The platform also emphasized that almost half of its royalties are generated by independent artists and labels, countering the narrative that only a select few benefit from streaming.
However, it’s essential to understand that the distribution of these royalties is complex, often pocketed by record labels, distributors, and managers, leaving the artists with only a fraction of the earnings. This ongoing debate about fair payment has led several artists, including Massive Attack and Deerhoof, to sever ties with Spotify, protesting against its association with the defence company Helsing, which they argue contributes to a system that profits from violence.
The Ethical Quandary of Streaming
As the conversation around artist compensation intensifies, Spotify has made efforts to clarify that it operates as a separate entity from Helsing. Nevertheless, the ethical implications of music consumption in the age of streaming cannot be ignored. Massive Attack articulated their stance poignantly, stating, “The economic burden that has long been placed on artists is now compounded by a moral and ethical burden.” This sentiment resonates as artists grapple with the reality that their work may inadvertently support industries they fundamentally oppose.
Why it Matters
The evolution of music consumption and the rise of non-English songs signify a pivotal moment in the industry, reflecting broader cultural shifts and a growing appreciation for diversity in music. As audiences increasingly embrace global sounds, the traditional barriers of language are breaking down, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive musical landscape. However, as the ethical considerations surrounding streaming royalties come to the forefront, it is vital for listeners to remain conscious of where their support is directed, ensuring that artists receive fair compensation while championing the very diversities they love.
