Spotify unveils Global Impact List in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana

The list recognises tracks that have had the most listens from outside the countries in the first half of 2024, and were released between 1 January and 30 June.

In Kenya, the list is dominated by arbantone tracks, a genre that is fast gaining popularity, especially amongst the Gen Z. Other key genres include Afro-fusion and R&B.

“Spotify’s Global Impact List shows the power of music streaming, and how local artists can use it to position themselves globally,” Spotify’s head of music, sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said. “We are committed to continuing the journey with Kenyan artists to help them make an even bigger impact.”

In Ghana, King Promise emerged as a dominant force with several tracks on the list, reflecting his versatility and global reach. His hit single ‘Paris’ is Ghana’s number one international favourite, captivating listeners with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. His collaborations like ‘Favourite Story’ with OliveTheboy and Sarkodie, and ‘Oh My Days’ with Haile and Smallgod further cemented his status as a global music icon. King Promise’s collaboration with Shallipopi on ‘Continental’ also showcased his ability to blend Ghanaian sounds with diverse musical influences.

The list also showcased the rise of new talents, with OliveTheboy’s ‘Asylum’ and Lasmid’s ‘Puul’ showcasing fresh voices making their mark on the global stage.

“The widespread popularity of these tracks showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of Ghanaian artists. At Spotify, we are proud to support and celebrate this remarkable journey and look forward to witnessing the ongoing global impact of Ghanaian music,” Okumu said.

In Nigeria, female artists, particularly Ayra Starr and Tems, are leading the charge with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases. The list also underscores the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top 10 tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars. These collaborations, ranging from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, demonstrate the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.

Okumu said: “Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions. 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.”

Below are the songs with the most listenership outside Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria:

Kenya Music Global Impact List 

1. Mr Tee, TONORBOY, prod.chacha – DIGII III TRAILER
2. Mr Tee, TENORBOY, prod.chacha – DIGII III TRAILER
3. NNAVY, Karun, Msaki, Hendrick Sam – Let Me
4. Blinky Bill, GoldLink – Compare
5. Jeff Kaale, soave lofi – honey mint
6. Nanku, Karun – Capital
7. Yammi, Lexsil,ZiiBeats – Love Crazy
8. Fully Focus, Sofiya Nzau – Mwanake
9. Jeff Kaale, ELEVEN – Euphorie
10. Bien, Fally Ipupa – Ma Cherie (Remix)
11. Mr Tee, sosatheprodigyy,o6ix_june – Digii ii
12. Blinky Bill – OH WAH (feat. NATURE)
13. Otile Brown, Rayvanny – Asante
14. The Playah, Restrained, Karun, State of Anarchy – State of Light
15. Jeff Kaale, soave lofi – Afternoon Cohiba

Ghana Music Global Impact List

1. King Promise – Paris
2. OliveTheboy – Asylum
3. Khaid, Gyakie – Run Away (Omalicha)
4. Black Sheriff – January 9th
5. Smallgod – Fallen Angel (feat. Black Sheriff)
6. Lasmid – Paul
7. 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, Amaarae, Warren Hue – cOoL WATeR foR thE nIGHT
8. King Promise, Olivetheboy, Sarkodie – Favourite Story
9. Black Sherif  – Shut Up
10. Black Sherif, Mabel – Zero
11. Gyakie – December
12. KJ Spio,Oxlade, Sarkodie – Undress You
13. Seyi Vibez, Stonebwoy – Malaika
14. KiDi – Danger
15. Stonebwoy – Ekelebe (feat. ODUMODUBLVCK)
16. Joe Mettle, Sandra Boakye-Duah – Give me Oil
17. Tea Eternity Ghana – Defe Defe
18. Smallgod, Haile, King Promise – Oh My Days
19. Tiwa Savage, Black Sheriff, Young Jonn – Kilimanjaro
20. King Promise – Continental (ft. Shallipopi)
21. King Paluta – Aseda
22. DopeNation – Jakpa
23. Shekhinah – Risk (ft. Moliy)
24. Black Sherif – Kilos Milos
25. Chop Daily, KOJO BLAK – Ready
26. Fameye, Patoranking – Sober (Soo Bad)
27. Valiant, GuiltyBeatz – Flava
28. Amaarae – Sweetest
29. Natebadtz, Popcaan – Warrior
30. McStainz – Inferno

Nigeria Music Global Impact List

1. Rauw Alexandro, Ayrra Star – Santa
2. Ayrra Star – Commas
3. Tems – Love Me Jeje
4. Luciano, Omah Lay – Another Vibe
5. 21 Savage, Burna Boy, Metro Booming – Just Like Me
6. Tyla, Tems – No. 1
7. Usher, Pheelz – Ruin
8. Rels B, Tempoe – Pretty Girl
9. TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy,S.N.E – Tshwala Bam Remix
10. Ayrra Star, Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
11. Victony – Everything
12. Aya Nakamura, Ayrra Star – Hype
13. Tems, J. Cole - Free Fall
14. Usher, Burna Boy – Coming Home
15. Ayrra Star, Seyi Vibez – Bad Vibes
16. Kizz Daniel, Davido – Twe Twe
17. Kizz Daniel – Sooner
18. Ruger, Bnxn – Romeo Must Die
19. Chris Brown, Davido – Hmmm
20. CKay, Olamide – Wahala
21. Tems – Burning
22. Asake – Only Me
23. Skepta, Portable, Jae5 – Tony Montana
24. Ruger, Bnxn – POE
25. Asake, Central Cee – Wave
26. Kizz Daniel – Showa
27. Tems – Wickedest
28. Fireboy DML – Everyday
29. Joeboy – Osadebe
30. Moses Bliss, Festizi, Chizie,Neeja, S.O.N Music, Ajay Asika – You are Great