Nigerian Artists Earn Record ₦60bn on Spotify as Global Streams Hit 30.3 Billion
Nigerian musical talent reached a new economic milestone in 2025, with artists generating over ₦60 billion in royalties from Spotify alone.
The figures, released in Spotify’s annual Loud & Clear report on Tuesday, reveal a massive 140% revenue growth over the last two years. The report, designed to provide transparency into streaming economics, paints a picture of a rapidly expanding ecosystem that is dominating both local airwaves and global charts.
The Streaming Explosion
The 2025 data highlights a staggering level of listener engagement. Nigerian creators amassed 30.3 billion streams and 1.6 billion listening hours on the platform within the year.
Global discovery also saw a significant spike, with first-time listeners discovering Nigerian artists more than 1.3 billion times—a 26% increase compared to 2024. This global reach is further evidenced by Nigerian music being featured in nearly 60 million playlists worldwide.
Local Dominance and Diversity
At home, Nigerian artists have effectively “captured” the market. According to the report:
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Chart Performance: Local talent accounted for over 80% of the tracks on Spotify Nigeria’s Daily Top 50.
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Domestic Growth: Local consumption of Nigerian music surged by 170% year-on-year.
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Genre Evolution: Beyond Afrobeats, genres such as Pop Urbaine, Alternative Pop, Anime, Emo, and Drill are the fastest-growing in the country.
The Rise of Independent Creators
A major takeaway from the 2025 report is the power of the independent sector. Approximately 58% of all royalties generated by Nigerian artists were earned by independent creators or labels.
Growth was also noted across specific segments, with local streams for female artists increasing by 55%, while independent artists saw a 75% year-on-year rise in domestic streaming.
A Story of Global Influence
Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director for Africa, noted that the data reflects a shift from mere popularity to sustainable career building.
“Nigeria’s music story continues to be one of creativity, innovation, and global cultural influence,” Muhutu-Remy stated. “What we’re seeing is a market where talent is not only reaching new audiences around the world but also building deeper connections at home.”
The report also credited Spotify’s editorial ecosystem for this growth, noting that nearly 2,000 Nigerian artists were added to official editorial playlists throughout the year, providing a critical springboard for emerging talent.
