Apple Music marks Nigeria's Independence Day with streaming highlights

The initiative celebrates the success of Nigerian artists on the digital streaming platform (DSP).

Leading the list of most-streamed Nigerian artists is Burna Boy, followed by Wizkid, Davido, and Rema. Others include Asake, Tems, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, Bnxn, and Olamide. Last year, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema were also recognised as part of the five most influential Nigerian artists, alongside Davido and Asake.

This year’s top songs chart sees Rema and Selena Gomez’s ‘Calm Down’ topping the list. The track is the first Afrobeats-led song to surpass one billion streams on rival DSP Spotify. Burna Boy has several entries on Apple Music’s chart, including ‘Last Last’, ‘Ye’ and ‘On the Low’. Wizkid, too, boasts multiple entries, including ‘Essence’ featuring Tems and ‘Come Closer’ featuring Drake. The list also features newer stars like Tems and Ayra Starr.

On the album front, Wizkid’s Made In Lagos takes the top spot, with Burna Boy closely following with Love, Damini, African Giant, I Told Them and Twice As Tall. Other albums include Tems’ For Broken Ears, Asake’s Mr Money With The Vibe and Work of Art, Davido’s Timeless, and Omah Lay’s Boy Alone.

As part of this year’s Oshe Naija campaign, Apple Music will also launch an exclusive collection featuring eight curated playlists by top Afrobeats stars like Omah Lay, Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Qing Madi, Seyi Vibez, 2Baba, Jeriq, and Bloody Civilian.

In related news, Apple Music last month launched Music Haptics, an accessibility feature that allows users, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, to experience music through taps, textures, and vibrations synchronised with audio.

“We’re thrilled to bring Music Haptics to our users, providing an immersive music experience that transcends auditory boundaries,” Apple Music said. “This feature embodies our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.”

Below is the full list of Apple Music’s top ten most-streamed Nigerian artists, songs, and albums of all time:

Top Nigerian Artists on Apple Music

1. Burna Boy
2. Wizkid
3. Davido
4. Rema
5. Asake
6. Tems
7. Omah Lay
8. Fireboy DML
9. Bnxn
10. Olamide

Top Nigerian Songs on Apple Music

1. ‘Calm Down’ – Rema & Selena Gomez
2. ‘Last Last’ – Burna Boy
3. ‘Essence’ – Wizkid feat. Tems
4. ‘Free Mind’ – Tems
5. ‘Ye’ – Burna Boy
6. ‘Location’ – Dave feat. Burna Boy
7. ‘Calm Down’ – Rema
8. ‘Rush’ – Ayra Starr
9. ‘On the Low’ – Burna Boy
10. ‘Come Closer’ – Wizkid feat. Drake

Top Nigerian Albums on Apple Music

1. ‘Made In Lagos’ — Wizkid
2. ‘Love, Damini’ — Burna Boy
3. ‘African Giant’ — Burna Boy
4. ‘For Broken Ears’ — Tems
5. ‘I Told Them…’ — Burna Boy
6. ‘Twice As Tall’ — Burna Boy
7. ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe’ — Asake
8. ‘Timeless’ — Davido
9. ‘Work Of Art’ — Asake
10. ‘Boy Alone’ — Omah Lay