Rising South African singer Naledi Aphiwe has closed out 2025 with a wave of gratitude and humility — after a year that transformed her from viral sensation into a bona fide star. On 3 December, she shared her “Spotify Wrapped” data: 4.7 million unique listeners, a staggering 47.6 million streams, and fans in 184 countries.
Posting on social media, Naledi thanked her supporters:
“Aybo!!! 🥹🫶🏿 Thank you to every single person who streamed my music, shared my songs, added me to your playlists, and carried my voice into your homes, cars, and hearts this year.”
She added that seeing those numbers reminded her “that my gift is bigger than me. It lives because you believe in me.” The emotion was clear: this isn’t just a career highlight, but a deeply personal affirmation of her artistry and journey.
🎵 From Viral Origins to Global Streams
Born and raised in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, Naledi’s rise has been swift but grounded. Her voice first gained major attention in 2023 when it was sampled on Chris Brown’s “Shooter” from the album 11:11 — a milestone that opened doors and introduced her to an international audience.
In early 2025, she signed with Virgin Music Group — a big step for any young artist looking to build a sustainable career.Once a matric student balancing school at Khethokuhle Secondary with music ambitions, she’s now firmly on the path to stardom.
Critics and industry watchers have taken note: she’s often listed among the top rising South African artists to watch.
🚀 Hits, Recognition — and Real Milestones
Part of what drove her success this year was the string of strong releases and collaborations. Standouts include her solo track Ngiyabonga and the widely celebrated duet with Mawelele on Romeo & Juliet — which alone amassed massive streaming numbers. Naledi described the 11.5 million streams on that track as “unreal.”
That song didn’t just resonate on streaming platforms. Earlier in 2025, “Romeo & Juliet” earned her her first major accolade: Metro FM Award for Best African Pop Song.
Her growing discography — now spanning several singles and collaborations — reflects both her talent and her evolving artistic identity. Listeners and industry professionals alike have praised her soulful voice and Afro-pop sound as a breath of fresh air in South Africa’s music landscape.
🏡 Beyond Music: Personal Milestones and Growing Responsibility
2025 wasn’t only about streaming numbers and awards for Naledi — the year also included personal growth and giving back. One notable milestone: she renovated her mother’s home, a gesture she described as deeply meaningful and symbolic.
Even as fame grows, she remains committed to her education. After finishing matric, she plans to study hospitality at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), balancing academic ambitions with her blossoming music career.
Her journey has been hailed by some in the industry as game changing. Veteran voices have praised the rise of both Naledi and Mawelele as pivotal for the next generation of South African music.
❤️ A Message of Gratitude — and Hope for What’s Next
In her emotional post, Naledi acknowledged that behind every stream and every playlist, there’s a listener who has carried her music into their lives. She said:
“Every performance, every studio session, every tear, every prayer… it all makes sense when I see how much love you’ve shown me.”
She closed with a promise: this is not the end — “it’s just the beginning.” With 2025 behind her and 2026 around the corner, fans and industry watchers are eager to see what she does next.
For a young artist whose roots trace back to Inanda township, the jump from viral sensation to global streams underscores what happens when talent, hard work, and support collide. Naledi Aphiwe’s 2025 isn’t just a breakthrough year — it might just mark the start of a long, influential journey.
