Grammy award-winning Burna Boy has clinched the title of the most streamed African artist in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on Spotify for the year 2023, as reported in Spotify’s latest Wrapped review.
This achievement follows his global recognition as the most streamed artist from the region in the previous year. Burna Boy’s success in 2022 was propelled by the hit single ‘Last Last’ and the ‘Love Damini’ album.
This year, his triumph is attributed to the continued popularity of these offerings along with his seventh studio LP, ‘I Told Them.’
Noteworthy Nigerian popstars Asake, Davido, and Omah Lay secure positions in the top 10 streamed artists list, underlining Nigeria’s dominance in the music scene across the continent. Ayra Starr narrowly misses the top 10 but emerges as the most streamed female artist in SSA.
The top tracks in the region include Ruger’s ‘Asiwaju’ and Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ with various Nigerian tracks making the list, such as Asake’s ‘Lonely At The Top,’ the most streamed track in Nigeria for the year.
Davido’s ‘Timeless’ claims the title of the most streamed album in SSA, while two tracks from the album, ‘Feel’ and ‘Unavailable,’ secure positions among the top 10 most streamed tracks. Asake’s albums, ‘Work of Art’ and ‘Mr. Money With the Vibe,’ also feature in the top streamed list in SSA.
Rema emerges as the top exported artist in SSA, largely driven by the popularity of ‘Calm Down’ featuring US singer Selena Gomez, which is also the most exported track from the region.
This track, the first African-led single to reach a billion streams on Spotify, secures the eighth spot in the global most streamed tracks.
Although Tems leads the top streamed female artists list, the only other African female artist in the top 10 is Tems, with the rest of the list occupied by American artists.
Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, acknowledges Nigeria’s rich musical talent, expressing pride in showcasing the diversity and passion of Nigerian music lovers through Wrapped.
The report serves as a testament to the power of music in connecting people with the culture and traditions of Nigeria.
Also, the success of Rema as the top-exported artist emphasises the growing international recognition of Nigerian talents, breaking barriers and contributing to a more inclusive representation of African artists on the global music scene.
Finally, the presence of African female artists, notably Ayra Starr and Tems, in the top-streamed lists signals a positive shift towards greater visibility and appreciation for women in the industry, reflecting the evolving dynamics of gender representation in African music.