AKA and Anatii’s Collaborative Anthem “10 Fingers” Surpasses 4 Million Streams on Spotify

In a significant milestone for South African hip-hop, the collaborative track “10 Fingers” by the late AKA and the versatile Anatii officially crossed the 4 million stream mark on Spotify in early January 2026. This achievement highlights the enduring popularity of their joint album, Be Careful What You Wish For (BCWYF), which has remained a staple in the digital music ecosystem since its debut in 2017.

The streaming milestone was documented by The Table Chart, a prominent industry monitor that tracks regional streaming data in real-time. This data confirms that the track continues to resonate with audiences nearly a decade after its initial release, proving its status as a modern classic.

Be Careful What You Wish For was launched on July 28, 2017, through a partnership between Universal Music South Africa, Yel Entertainment, and Beam Group. The project was a landmark release in the region's music history, showcasing the combined talents of two of the continent's most influential artists at the height of their creative powers.

Comprising 10 distinct tracks, the album is particularly notable for its lack of guest features. This was a rare creative choice for high-profile hip-hop releases during that era, emphasizing the singular chemistry and artistic synergy between AKA and Anatii without external distractions.

The cultural impact of this collaboration cannot be overstated. It emerged following a period of well-documented public tension between the two artists, serving as a powerful symbol of reconciliation and renewed dialogue within the South African music scene, effectively healing a rift through creative expression.

As the lead single of the project, “10 Fingers” was first introduced to the public on January 8, 2017. Clocking in at 5 minutes and 15 seconds, the track features AKA’s signature self-reflective and confident lyricism paired perfectly with Anatii’s atmospheric, bass-heavy production style.

Within the BCWYF discography, “10 Fingers” is the second song to reach the 4 million stream threshold. It follows the massive success of “Don’t Forget To Pray,” which currently leads the album’s performance with over 5.5 million streams on the platform to date.

The sustained interest in material from 2017 reflects the broader expansion of the African digital music market. According to the Global Music Report by IFPI, music industry revenues in Sub-Saharan Africa surpassed $100 million for the first time in 2024, signaling a new era of growth.

Spotify’s internal data further illustrates this growth, revealing that payouts to South African artists reached 256 million Rand in 2023. This figure represents a six-fold increase compared to the payout levels seen in 2017, placing the success of “10 Fingers” within a thriving and increasingly lucrative economic context.

The continued resonance of this track carries profound emotional weight following the tragic passing of AKA in 2023. His musical contributions remain a vibrant part of the contemporary landscape rather than a static historical archive, allowing his voice to reach new listeners every day.

At the time of its release, BCWYF earned widespread critical acclaim from various industry outlets. The publication Yo Mzansi awarded the project a near-perfect 9/10 rating, praising the seamless integration of trap, Afrobeats, and traditional South African hip-hop elements that defined its unique sound.

Anatii continues to be a formidable force in the industry today. His solo work and other tracks from the collaborative album, such as “BOOM” and “BANK,” maintain steady streaming numbers, proving the longevity of his unique production signature and vocal style in an ever-changing market.

There is a certain paradox in the success of “10 Fingers,” as it remains relevant despite the emergence of new dominant genres like Amapiano and 3-Step that define the continent's sound in 2026. The track has managed to avoid sounding dated, standing its ground against evolving trends and shifting listener preferences.

Ultimately, this streaming milestone serves as a reminder that high-quality music does not fade away; it simply waits for new generations of listeners to discover its depth. The success of AKA and Anatii’s work is a testament to the dignity, memory, and lasting power of African hip-hop on the global stage.