Nigerian earnings on Spotify up 74% in 2022

This surge, revealed in the digital service provider’s (DSP’s) latest Loud & Clear report, forms part of a larger trend, with Nigerian music industry revenues experiencing a 63% growth from 2021 to 2022, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

Revenues solely from Nigerian artists on Spotify saw a remarkable 74% increase in the same period, while the number of Nigerian artists who earned more than ₦5m in royalties from Spotify increased by nearly 25%.

The disclosed figures only pertain to Spotify and do not include earnings from other streaming services, ticket sales, merchandise revenues, or recorded revenue streams.

The company says that sharing detailed data on royalty payments and shedding light on the global streaming economy, its stakeholders and the processes involved is in line with its commitment to enhancing transparency in the music industry.

“Releasing the revenues generated by Nigerian artists in 2022 on our platform is our way of keeping ourselves accountable and keeping true to our mission to enable artists to live off their art, ”Spotify’s managing director for sub-Saharan Africa, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said. 

Meanwhile, in a recent update, Spotify’s Journey of a Billion Streams website has delved into the global impact of Afrobeats, recognising it as a powerful tool for cultural export. The initiative, launched by Spotify last month, traces the trajectory of Afrobeats from its origins in West Africa to its current position on the global stage.

The journey so far has explored Afrobeats’ roots in Ghana and Nigeria, its evolution towards a contemporary sound, and its fusion with different musical genres. The surge in Afrobeats’ popularity can be attributed to factors such as international collaborations, the influence of social media, the rise of music streaming and the engagement of the African diaspora.

According to Spotify-commissioned research conducted by Kuvora, 28% of fans believe that international collaborations have played a pivotal role in propelling Afrobeats’ growth. 

Spotify says its 550 million active users have led to increased streams and new audiences for artists, effectively aiding them in earning from their art. For instance, Ghana’s Afrobeats streams have experienced an impressive 181% yearly growth since Spotify’s launch in the region.

Spotify has also identified the top 10 artists at the forefront of cultural export within the Afrobeats genre. This list comprises Nigerian acts Rema, Burna Boy, Tems, CKay, Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay and Oxlade, as well as Cameroon’s Libianca.