Music streaming on Spotify in Nigeria has grown by an average of 163.5 per cent in the last five years, highlighting the country’s rising influence in the global digital music space.
In a statement released in Lagos and made available to NATIONAL ACCORD on Monday, the company said it recorded triple-digit growth in its early years and sustained strong momentum through 2025, describing its journey in Nigeria as one marked by rapid cultural acceleration.
According to Spotify, Afrobeats has been the major driver of this expansion, recording a +5,022 per cent increase in local streams between 2021 and 2025.
Other genres also posted significant gains, with Amapiano growing by +10,330 per cent, Gospel and Praise by +5,499 per cent, Hip-hop and Rap by +3,020 per cent, and R&B by +2,602 per cent.
The platform also said indigenous language listening rose by +554 per cent in 2024 and +87 per cent in 2025 within Nigeria.
The company noted that Nigerian users have shown strong interest in diverse content since its launch in February 2021.
It revealed that the first song streamed in Nigeria at launch was “到此為止” by Shiga Lin, which, according to the platform, reflected the curiosity and openness of local listeners.
Over the past five years, the most-streamed artistes in Nigeria include Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Wizkid, and Seyi Vibez.
Spotify also reported major growth in user engagement, saying the number of Nigerian artistes on the platform has increased by 158 per cent since launch, while users have created over 25 million playlists.
In 2025 alone, Nigerians recorded more than 1.4 million play hours on the platform. Podcast listening has also expanded, with over 59 billion total streaming hours since inception, while the average listener age stands at 26, pointing to a young and adventurous audience.
Industry observers, however, cautioned that rapid growth in streaming must translate into sustainable income for creators. They raised concerns about royalty transparency, revenue distribution, and access to data analytics.
Stakeholders called for stronger monetisation systems, clearer royalty frameworks, and better support for indigenous and regional acts.
Analysts also urged deeper investment in podcast advertising, training, and creator tools to ensure that rising consumption leads to long-term career opportunities.
