simfy africa users have spoken, voting with their listening choices.
simfy africa today announced the most popular streamed tracks, albums and artists of 2014. This diverse playlist shows the depth of simfy africa’s 27 million strong catalogue and features the hits of the year – all live on simfy africa on the day of release – including many SA and international favourites such as George Ezra, Pitbull, Goldfish, Nico & Vinz, Awolnation, Dr Victor and more.
Song of the year is clearly ‘Pluto’ by DJ Clock featuring Beatenberg which smashed the charts this year, and features a collaboration to watch in 2015.
Beatenberg had this to say about being named Song of the Year, “Thank you to all of our simfy supporters. Keep streaming, keep dreaming. Look out for our new track ‘Beauty Like a Tightened Bow’ on simfy.”
On the international front, ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams was the clear winner, a song which has grabbed streaming charts across the globe, and is set to stand the test of time.
SA Artist of the Year goes to the enigmatic Jeremy Loops, a definite favourite in the plays logs and an artist who has dominated conversation in South Africa this year. On hearing of the honour, Loops commented “ I am a huge proponent for online streaming services and getting music to the people.
It’s important. So it is such an honour to get this recognition from simfy africa, who were the first true streaming service in South Africa.
International Artist of the Year goes to John Legend, who delighted local fans with his hugely popular SA tour, his exclusive ‘South Africa edition’ release, and his appearance on the SA ‘X Factor’ as our very first international artist.
Album of the Year was a great debate in the simfy africa office but had to go to The Kiffness for their fresh and distinctly SA sound on ‘The Kiff’.
Dave Scott from The Kiffness simply commented “Thank you simfy for this kiff award. I am happy.”
International album of year was awarded to Sam Smith for ‘In The Lonely Hour’. With numerous number ones over the course of the year, he took over our charts and it’s obvious that users love him.
Breakthrough Artist of the Year had to go to dynamic SA artist Matthew Mole. Matthew has grabbed attention this year, with his radio singles, sold out gigs and high profile support slots. Kiesza takes the international award for her unique sound, merging the 90s with a modern day house sound.
The simfy africa music team also felt that the Robin Schulz Remix of ‘Waves’ by Mr Probz deserved a special mention as the best Remix of the Year.
Artists to watch in 2015 in South Africa are Monark and The Soil, and on the international front, Royal Blood.
simfy africa has also crowned their favourite user of the year ‘louis77’ with an incredible 88 894 plays in the year, and the creation of 22 unique playlists. ‘Louis77’ commented, when told of his winning status, that ‘simfy africa has changed my life. I would never want to be without it again’.
Users overall listened to tens of millions of tracks over the year, and created over 150 000 playlists, but this user really stands out as a true music lover.
Popular playlists are truly #LoudlySouthAfrica with words such as Africa, Braai, Madiba, 80s, 90s, lekker, drive, tunes and of course, love. Exercise is a popular theme in playlists with topics such as run, gym, power, yoga and more.
