Nigerian musicians have reached new milestones following the release of Spotify’s 2023 Wrapped data.
According to Spotify, YBNL/Empire signee Ahmed Ololade aka Asake emerged as the most streamed Nigerian artist for 2023.
Asake earned the coveted title of most streamed artist in three different countries, Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo, where he captivated audiences same way Afrobeats’ international success skyrocketed making the genre the most exported genre of the year.
Asake’s dominance continued in the Top 10 most streamed tracks, with three of his hits – Lonely At The Top, 2:30 and Amapiano making the cut. His reign extended to the Gen Z demographic, with Asake becoming the most streamed artist among Nigerian and Ghanaian Gen Z listeners. His song Lonely At The Top further cemented his popularity among Nigerian Gen Zs, topping the charts for their age group.
In the same vein, Grammy nominee and Mavin signee Ayra Starr clinched the title of the most streamed female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Mercy Chinwo, a Nigerian gospel artist also secured a spot among the top 10 most streamed female artists in Nigeria, underscoring the enduring popularity and influence of gospel music.
“Nigeria is a hotbed of musical talent, and we’re incredibly proud to showcase the diversity and passion of Nigerian music lovers through Wrapped,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “This year’s Wrapped is a testament to the power of music to connect people and bring them closer to the culture and traditions of Nigeria.”
Also making the lists of most streamed artists in Nigeria are Burna Boy, Davido, Seyi Vibez, Omah Lay, Bnxn, Rema,ODUMODUBLVCK, Olamide, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Tems, Rihanna,
For most streamed albums in Nigeria, Daviod’s Timeless took the lead while others followed. Other albums that made the list include Work of Art by Asake, Boy Alone by Omah Lay, EZIOKWU by ODUMODUBLVCK, I Told Them by Burna Boy, Rave & Roses Ultra by Rema,
Mr. Money With The Vibe by Asake, Sincerely, Benson by Bnxn, ‘Love, Damini’ by Burna Boy, and Unruly by Olamide.