Burna Boy tops Spotify's global streaming rankings for African artists

Spotify, launched in 2008, currently boasts over 100 million tracks and users in more than 180 markets. 

After Burna Boy, who is rival streaming platform Apple Music's most streamed Nigerian artist of all time,  Spotify's list is overwhelmingly Nigerian, with Afrobeats stars Ayra Starr taking third, Rema fourth, Tems fifth, Asake sixth, Wizkid eighth, and Davido ninth.

South Africa’s Tyla ranks as the second most-streamed African artist globally. 

Spotify’s top 20 most streamed African artists globally also include Soolking (10) from Algeria, ElGrandeToto (16) from Morocco, Sherine (17) from Egypt, and Amaarae (20) from Ghana.

“African music is on the rise, attracting global audiences with its catchy rhythms and innovative sounds. As Afrobeats, amapiano, and other genres continue to evolve, African artists will continue to break barriers and inspire a new generation of musicians worldwide,” a statement reads.

Meanwhile, according to Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped report, Afrobeats, led by Asake, Burna Boy and Rema, has driven a 114% growth in music consumption across sub-Saharan Africa, outpacing other regions.

Spotify also claims to have paid over $9 billion to the music industry, nearly tripling payments in six years. In Nigeria, artists earned around $17 million in streaming royalties in 2023, a 2 500% increase since 2017. South African artists earned about $14 million, a 240% rise since 2019.

Months ago, Spotify rolled out its music video service to Premium users in 85 more markets, including Kenya and Nigeria, and featured the catalogues of hits from Fireboy DML, Ed Sheeran, Doja Cat and Ice Spice.