Nigerian singers, Ayra Starr and Tems have been named as the most streamed Nigerian artists globally for the first half of 2024.
This is according to Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.
He revealed the rankings during an announcement in Lagos.
The top 30 artists with the highest global streaming numbers were highlighted in Spotify’s Global Impact List for 2024, the News Agency of Nigeria first reported.
Ayra Starr and Rauw Alejandro’s “Santa” topped the list, while Ayra Starr’s “Comma” secured the second spot.
Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” followed closely in third place. Other notable tracks include Luciano and Omah Lay’s “Another Vibe” at fourth, and Savage and Burna Boy’s “Metro Boomin Just Like Me” in fifth. Tems and Tyla’s “No.1” came in sixth.
“Spotify has unveiled its Global Impact List in Nigeria, recognizing the top 30 Nigerian tracks with the most global impact during the first half of 2024,” Okumu said. “This list showcases Nigerian tracks that have garnered the most international listens from January 1 to June 30.”
Usher and Pheelz’s “Ruin” ranked seventh, Reis B and Tempoe’s “Pretty Girl” eighth, and TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy, and S.N.E’s “Tshwala Bam” ninth. Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song” took the tenth spot, followed by Victony’s “Everything” at the eleventh, and Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr’s “Hype” at the twelfth. Tems and J. Cole’s “Free Fall” came in the thirteenth.
“Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions,” Okumu noted. She noted its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries as truly remarkable. At “Spotify, we are thrilled to witness and support the continued evolution of this vibrant scene.”
Okumu emphasized the significant presence of female artists, especially Ayra Starr and Tems, who are leading with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases. She also highlighted the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.
These collaborations, ranging from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, underscore the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.
Other prominent Nigerian artists include Usher and Burna Boy with “Coming Home” in the fourteenth and Ayra Starr and Seyi Vibez’s “Bad Vibes” in the fifteenth, among others.