Ayra Starr, Tems Becomes Most Streamed Nigerian Artists On Spotify

Global music streaming platform, Spotify, has made it known that Nigerian music sensations, Ayra Starr and Tems, have emerged as the most streamed Nigerian artists globally.

Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, disclosed this in Lagos on Wednesday.

Okumu said that the top 30 artists who had gained the biggest global numbers were revealed in Spotify’s music global impact list for 2024.

She said that Rauw Alexandro and Ayra Starr’s Santa came at the top on the list, Ayra Starr’s Comma emerged second while Tem’s Love Me Jeje came third.

Luciano and Omah Lay’s Another Vibe came fourth; 21 Savage, Burna Boy, and Metro Booming’s Just Like Me clinched the fifth most streamed while Tyla and Tems’s No.1 came sixth.

“Spotify has unveiled its global Impact List in Nigeria, recognizing the top 30 tracks from Nigeria with the biggest global impact on Spotify over the first half of 2024.

“The list recognizes Nigerian tracks that have had the most listens from outside Nigeria in the first half of 2024 and were released between January 1 and June 30.

“Usher and Pheelz’s Ruin is the seventh Nigerian most streamed across the globe, Reis B and Tempoe’s Pretty Girl came eighth, and TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy, and S.N.E’s Tshwala Bam, clinched the ninth position.

“Ayra Starr and Giveon’s Last Heartbreak Song is the tenth, Victony’s Everything came 11th, Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr’s Hype emerges as the 12th most streamed while Tems and J. Cole’s Free Fall, came 13th.

“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,” she said.

Okumu noted that female artists, particularly Ayra Starr and Tems, were leading the charge with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases.

She said that the list also underscored the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.

According to her, these collaborations range from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, which demonstrates the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.