Podcast and Chill with MacG has once again claimed the crown as South Africa’s most-streamed podcast on Spotify for 2025 — a feat that cements its dominance in the South African digital entertainment space.
According to the official Spotify data, Podcast and Chill topped the charts in 2025, repeating its success from 2024.The consistency suggests that the show hasn’t just benefited from occasional spikes in popularity — it appears to have secured a firm and lasting foothold in the local podcasting scene.
🎙 What Makes Podcast and Chill a Juggernaut
Launched by host MacGyver “MacG” Mukwevho (referred to as “Mac G”) alongside co-hosts including Sol Phenduka and the mysterious “Ghost Lady,” Podcast and Chill has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2019.
The show’s formula marries lengthy, unfiltered conversations and celebrity interviews with bold commentary on pop culture, relationships, politics, and everyday life. That raw authenticity — often peppered with real moments, spontaneity, humour, and drama — has resonated deeply with listeners.
Episodes frequently run over two hours, and the conversational style tends to create viral moments — whether it’s a controversial remark, a surprising confession, or a memorable soundbite. These get clipped, shared on social media, and widely commented on, extending the podcast’s reach beyond audio platforms into TikTok clips, X/X-threads, and more.
Local relevance is also a big factor: unlike many global podcasts, Podcast and Chill speaks directly to South African realities. The satisfaction of “seeing yourself” — your struggles, culture, language, humour — reflected in its episodes appears to drive loyalty and frequent listenership.
🎧 Podcasting Boom and Easy Access
Podcasting in South Africa has flagged itself as a rising cultural phenomenon over the last few years. According to one trend roundup of “top podcasts” in 2025, Podcast and Chill stood out among the top five most talked-about shows in the country.
The platform’s explosive growth reflects a broader shift in how South Africans consume media: more people — especially younger audiences — now turn to podcasts for entertainment, commentary, and conversation.
Moreover, traditional media has taken notice. In 2025, DStv — a major satellite TV provider — announced that some of the country’s most popular podcasts will be adapted into television shows. Podcast and Chill is among the podcasts making that leap.
This shift from purely online audio to TV underscores how podcasting in South Africa is no longer just a niche medium — it’s becoming a major player in mainstream entertainment.
📢 Mixed Reactions: From Cheers to Criticism
As expected with a show as bold as Podcast and Chill, the announcement drew a flurry of responses on social media. Some fans celebrated with pride and excitement:
“This podcast does not have a competition in this country.”
“They got the best formula… Mac G tried different things before it eventually took shape. Many that started before him with huge followers didn’t get the perfect formula. What a journey.”
But not every reaction was positive. Some critics questioned what the ranking says about the listening public, arguing that popularity doesn’t always equate to quality:
“This says a lot about the low IQ and taste of an average South African. Embarrassing to say the least.”
This polarising effect — intense loyalty from some listeners, harsh criticism from others — has arguably contributed to the podcast’s visibility and ongoing relevance.
⚠️ Controversies and Pushback — Growth Comes with Scrutiny
The massive visibility that comes with success has also brought scrutiny. In May 2025, another episode triggered backlash after comments about media personality Minnie Dlamini. As a result, DStv’s channel that had been airing the podcast removed the episode from their platforms.
This controversy sparked heated debates about free speech, misogyny, and the responsibility of public-facing content creators in South Africa.
Though the TV distribution deal was cancelled, the podcast remained on Spotify — and its streaming numbers still soared. The moment proved that for many fans, the digital platform’s freedom and the podcast’s unfiltered style remain part of its appeal.
🔮 What’s Next for Podcast and Chill — And South African Podcasting?
With 2025’s crown secured, Podcast and Chill seems poised to push further. The show has already shown it can survive — even thrive — amid controversies and platform changes. The step into television (even if short-lived) proves there is appetite from traditional media for podcast-style content, and that could mean more collaborations, cross-platform productions, or even diversification of content.
But the bigger story might be the continued rise of podcasting in South Africa. As the medium becomes more mainstream, listenership grows, and content becomes more diverse — from comedy and celebrity interviews to true crime, wellness, and socio-political commentary — podcasting is cementing its place in the country’s media landscape.
For Podcast and Chill, the challenge may no longer be about staying on top — but evolving in a way that sustains relevance, navigates controversies, and responds to a listening audience that’s becoming increasingly discerning.
