Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, revealed this in Lagos on Wednesday. She announced the top 30 Nigerian artists who achieved the largest global streaming numbers in Spotify’s 2024 music global impact list.
Rauw Alejandro and Ayra Starr’s “Santa” topped the list, followed by Ayra Starr’s “Comma” in second place, and Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” in third. Luciano and Omah Lay’s “Another Vibe” came fourth, while 21 Savage, Burna Boy, and Metro Boomin’s “Just Like Me” secured fifth. Tyla and Tems’ “No.1” ranked 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,” said Okumu. “The list acknowledges Nigerian tracks that have garnered the most listens from outside Nigeria between January 1 and June 30, 2024.”
Usher and Pheelz’s “Ruin” was the seventh most streamed Nigerian track globally, Reis B and Tempoe’s “Pretty Girl” ranked eighth, and TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy, and S.N.E’s “Tshwala Bam” secured ninth. Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song” was tenth, Victony’s “Everything” eleventh, Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr’s “Hype” twelfth, and Tems and J.Cole’s “Free Fall” thirteenth.
“Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions,” Okumu noted. “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 highlighted that female artists, particularly Ayra Starr and Tems, are leading with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases. She also pointed out the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars, demonstrating the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.
