MENA tops global recorded music growth rankings for the second time in three years

The recorded music industry continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with every global region experiencing revenue growth, according to the latest IFPI Global Music Report 2025. Once again leading the charge, the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) retained its position as the fastest-growing region, posting an impressive 22.8% increase in recorded music revenues, which surpassed $144 million in 2024.

MENA’s growth was overwhelmingly driven by streaming, which accounted for a staggering 99.5% of the region’s total revenues, highlighting the dominance of digital consumption in the market. The surge reflects the region’s rapid digital transformation and expanding listener base, solidifying its status as one of the most dynamic territories in the global music economy.

About the release of the report, IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley said: “The essential role music plays in so many parts of our lives is evidenced in the continued growth of the global industry. What is so exciting is that there is still great potential for further development, through innovation, emerging technologies, and investment in both artists and the evolving parts of the growing global music ecosystem. These positive developments don’t happen by accident. They reflect the brilliant creativity, vision and hard work of artists and songwriters around the globe, powered in part by the work, investment and passion of record companies and their teams. In the case of record labels, returning revenues enable them to be patient, long-term, consistent investors in artists, innovation and culture.”

Speaking to SceneNoise, IFPI MENA Regional Director Rawan Al-Dabbas commented: “It is exciting to see MENA become the fastest growing region in the world for recorded music for the second time in three years. The music market in MENA continues to evolve in exciting ways, all underpinned by the work and investment of record companies.”

Meanwhile, IFPI CEO Oakley also drew attention to “one of the key issues” addressed in the latest IFPI report: the impact of AI on music. She emphasised that “record companies have embraced [AI’s] potential to enhance artist creativity and develop new and exciting fan experiences.” However, Oakley warned that developers using generative AI systems to "ingest" copyright-protected music without authorisation from rightsholders “pose a very real and present threat to human artistry.”

“We are asking policymakers to protect music and artistry. We must harness the potential of AI to support and amplify human creativity, not to replace it,” she urged.

Sub-Saharan Africa also recorded a double-digit rise of 22.6%, crossing the US$100 million mark in revenues for the first time. South Africa continued to lead the region, contributing 74.6% of its total revenue and experiencing 14.4% growth year-over-year.

Latin America followed closely with 22.5% growth, marking its 15th consecutive year of expansion. Streaming remained the dominant force, with Brazil leading the charge at 21.7% growth, while Mexico surged by 15.6%, overtaking another major market to become the fifth largest recorded music market globally.

Europe, the second-largest music market, maintained steady momentum with 8.3% growth, with the UK, Germany and France all posting gains. The USA & Canada, which collectively hold the largest share of global revenues at 40.3%, saw a 2.1% rise, with the U.S. market growing by 2.2%.

Australasia saw 6.4% growth, driven by a 7.8% increase in New Zealand, while Australia’s revenues climbed by 6.4% despite falling out of the top 10 global markets for the first time, edged out by Mexico. Meanwhile, Asia—after an explosive 14.0% jump in 2023—recorded more moderate growth of 1.3% in 2024, impacted by a downturn in physical sales following a record-breaking year for South Korea. Japan, the world’s second-largest music market, experienced a slight decline, while China, ranked #5 globally, still expanded by 6.2%.

As of 2024, the world's Top 10 largest recorded music markets are the USA, Japan, the UK, Germany, China, France, South Korea, Canada, Brazil and Mexico, with Mexico surpassing Australia to claim the No. 10 spot.

You can access the full report here.