In a recent surge of non-fungible token (NFT) activities across blockchain networks, Solana (SOL) is making notable waves, outperforming Cardano (ADA) significantly, even as interest in NFTs continues to grow in South Africa’s vibrant crypto community. Data sourced from CryptoSlam indicates a staggering increase in Solana NFT buyers, which has soared by an incredible 2226.47% in the last 24 hours.
According to the latest figures, Solana had 3520 NFT buyers, vastly overshadowing Cardano, which recorded 1038 buyers within the same timeframe. Based on these statistics, Solana’s NFTs are currently the second most popular on CryptoSlam’s rankings, with Cardano trailing behind at the ninth position.
However, it hasn’t been all positive news for Solana. Despite the spike in buyers, the sales of Solana NFTs have dipped by 5.90%, currently standing at approximately $1,115,372 (around ZAR 21,152,070 at the current exchange rate of ZAR 18.96 per US Dollar). In contrast, Cardano’s NFTs have experienced a 25.44% uptick, albeit at a much lower total sales figure of $162,514 (approximately ZAR 3,083,266).
In addition, the data revealed a 36.55% ($9,193) increase in wash trading involving Solana NFTs, whereas Cardano saw a more modest increase of 20.81% ($3,287) in this respect.
Nevertheless, skepticism surrounds the meteoric rise of Solana’s NFT market. Rick McCracken, lead stake pool operator at Digital Fortress, points out a potential caveat: “Solana transactions are cheap, so the volume is easily faked,” he opined. McCracken’s statement suggests that Solana’s impressive figures might not fully represent a genuine surge in interest in its NFTs.
Despite ‘s notable gains, Ethereum (ETH) remains the undisputed leader in the NFT arena. Although Ethereum’s NFT sales have declined by 831.57%, the network accounted for a staggering $8,929,836 (about ZAR 169,372,682) in sales in the last 24 hours, registering 12,150 buyers. Furthermore, wash trading on the Ethereum network has reduced by 7.75%, currently standing at $4,151,356 (approximately ZAR 78,712,985).
The NFT fever is not only a global phenomenon but is also becoming increasingly prominent in South Africa, where blockchain and cryptocurrency adoption has been rising steadily. Notably, internationally recognized brands are entering the NFT space. For example, Coca-Cola recently introduced an NFT collection on BASE, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network. This launch, a part of the firm’s “Onchain Summer” initiative, integrates iconic artworks like “The Scream” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring” with contemporary pieces, as well as the legendary Coca-Cola bottle design, establishing a unique digital collectible suite.
The Coca-Cola NFT launch, along with the heightened activity around Solana, Ethereum, and other blockchains, underscores the growing global and South African fascination with NFTs as both digital art forms and potential investment vehicles. As South Africa grapples with economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, the burgeoning NFT space offers a new frontier for artists, collectors, and investors in the country, showcasing the diverse potentials of blockchain technology beyond mere cryptocurrency transactions.
