Spotify, the renowned global music streaming platform, has declared Nigerian music stars Ayra Starr and Tems as the most streamed Nigerian artists worldwide, News About Nigeria reports.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, made this announcement in Lagos on Wednesday.
Okumu said that the top 30 Nigerian artists with the most significant global streaming numbers were featured in Spotify’s Global Impact List for 2024.
Leading this list was Rauw Alejandro and Ayra Starr’s “Santa”, followed by Ayra Starr’s “Comma” in second place and Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” in third.
According to Okumu, Luciano and Omah Lay’s “Another Vibe” secured the fourth spot, while Savage and Burna Boy’s “Metro Boomin Just Like Me” clinched the fifth position. Tyla and Tems’ “No.1” came in sixth.
“Spotify has unveiled its Global Impact List in Nigeria, recognising the top 30 tracks from Nigeria with the biggest global impact on Spotify over the first half of 2024. The list recognises Nigerian tracks that have had the most listens from outside Nigeria in the first half of 2024 and were released between January 1 and June 30,” Okumu explained.
Other notable entries included Usher and Pheelz’s “Ruin”, which was the seventh most streamed Nigerian track globally, Reis B and Tempoe’s “Pretty Girl” at eighth, and TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy, and S.N.E’s “Tshwala Bam”, which secured the ninth position.
Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song” rounded out the top ten.
“Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions. Its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries is truly remarkable. At Spotify, we are thrilled to witness and support the continued evolution of this vibrant scene,” Okumu stated.
She further noted that female artists, particularly Ayra Starr and Tems, were leading the charge with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases.
The list also underscored the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.
These collaborations range from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin.
Additional top Nigerian artists included in the list are Usher and Burna Boy with “Coming Home” at 14th place, and Ayra Starr and Seyi Vibez’s “Bad Vibes” at 15th, among others.
