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Tag: SPOTIFY

  • Most streamed gospel artistes in 2024 revealed

    Most streamed gospel artistes in 2024 revealed

    Maverick City Music, American contemporary Christian worship music collective and Nigeria’s Nathaniel Bassey have emerged the most streamed gospel artistes on Spotify, across Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa disclosed this in a statement, on Friday.

    Okumu listed the other most streamed gospel artistes as: Joyous Celebration, Spirit of Praise, Moses Bliss, Dunsin Oyekan, Chandler Moore, Sunmisola Agbebi, Mercy Chinwo and Cece Winans.

    She said that it was discovered that gospel music had secured the ninth spot on the list for the most streamed genres in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    “Spotify Wrapped 2024 unveiled a surprising twist in Africa’s musical tale. Africa’s love for gospel music reached new heights, with the genre claiming the ninth spot on the list for the most streamed genres in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    “From the vibrant choirs of South Africa to the soulful voices of Nigerian gospel artistes, listeners have been captivated with soulful melodies and uplifting messages.

    “African gospel music is undergoing a global resurgence, inspiring millions and reshaping the global music landscape.

    “We’re thrilled to be a platform that empowers these talented artistes and choirs to share their faith and music with the world,” she said.

    According to Okumu, gospel choirs like Joyous Celebration and Spirit of Praise from South Africa, and 1Spirit & Theophilus Sunday from Nigeria were redefining the boundaries of gospel music.

    She said their awe-inspiring performances, featuring exceptional vocals and groundbreaking arrangements, had transcended cultural and geographical limitations, captivating audiences across the world.

    “Solo gospel artists are also making waves. Nigerian sensations like Nathaniel Bassey, Moses Bliss, and Dunsin Oyekan, along with South African powerhouse Benjamin Dube, have garnered significant followings with their soulful melodies and uplifting messages.

    “The gospel stage this year was also graced by female voices. Sunmisola Agbebi and Mercy Chinwo from Nigeria, and Xolly Mncwango and Lebo Sekgobela from South Africa are also inspiring millions within and outside the continent.

    “It’s not just about inspiration; African gospel music is dominating the charts too. 16 out of the top 20 most-streamed gospel artistes in Sub-Saharan Africa are Africans.

    “Afro-gospel is more than just music; it’s a cultural movement uniting people across the globe. This vibrant sound is reshaping worship experiences worldwide with its unique blend of African rhythms and contemporary gospel.

    “While we still love our foreign favourites like Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, and Cece Winans, African artists are undeniably taking the lead,” she said.

    Okumu revealed the most streamed gospel tracks in Sub-Saharan Africa as: Sunmisola Agbebi’s “B’Ola (Honour)”; Ebuka Songs’ “I will pray” and Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore’s “Praise (feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore)”.

    She said others were: Moses Bliss, Festizie, Chizie, Neeja, S.O.N Music, Ajay Asika’s “You Are Great”; Spirit Of Praise and Mpumi Mtsweni’s “Thath’Indawo (Live)”; Xolly Mncwango’s “Ungukuphila”; Hillsong Worship and Brooke Ligertwood’s “What A Beautiful Name – What A Beautiful Name”.

    “We also have Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine’s “Jireh (feat. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine)”; Ebuka Songs’s “Calling My Name (I’m A Soldier) – Live” and CeCe Winans’ “Goodness of God – Live”.

  • Femi Lazarus, Joshua Selman listed as top podcasters in Nigeria

    Femi Lazarus, Joshua Selman listed as top podcasters in Nigeria

    Online streaming platform, Spotify, has unveiled the top five most streamed podcasts in Nigeria, Kenya and South, for 2024.

    Ncebakazi Manzi, Spotify’s Sub-Saharan Africa Podcast Manager, in a statement on Thursday, said that “Apostle Femi Lazarus” remained the most streamed podcast in Nigeria.

    Manzi said others were: “Motivation Daily by Motiversity”, Success Addicted Podcast with the voice of Earl Nightingale ; Napoleon Hill ; Jim Rohn and many more”, “Apostle Joshua Selman and The HonestBunch Podcast.

    She said the top five most streamed podcasts in South Africa were: “The Joe Rogan Experience”, “The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett”, “What Now? With Trevor Noah”, “Motivation Daily by Motivarsity” and “Podcast and Chil with MacG”.

    For the top five most streamed podcasts in Kenya, Manzi said they were: “The97sPodcast”, “So This Is Love”, “The Mkurugenzi Podcast”, “Mic Cheque Podcast” and “The Sandwich Podcast”.

    She described podcasts as one of Africa’s favourite ways to tell stories.

    She said with almost four billion minutes of podcast audio played in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024, the continent’s appetite for the content had become loud and clear.

    “South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya listened to the most shows this year, with South Africa contributing over two billion minutes.

    “The numbers don’t lie. Podcasting is here to stay because it lets creators take control of their narratives and tell these stories on their terms while bringing their community along for the journey.

    “Podcasts are personal, but trends do exist across the continent’s leading markets and beyond,” she said.

    Manzi said that motivational shows around issues like managing finances, relationships, personal goals and health remained popular across the three leading countries.

    She said shows like “The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett”, “Motivation Daily by Motiversity” and “The Success Addicted Podcast” have attracted listeners who wanted to get their lives in order and learn from the stories of inspirational people.

    “Audiences in Nigeria and South Africa embrace shows about spirituality. Christian Motivation had one of the most shared episodes in South Africa while “Apostle Joshua Selman” maintained his popularity in Nigeria for another year.

    “As the continent’s second-largest podcast market, Nigeria listened to 700 million minutes in 2024 and it created half of the new shows published in Sub Saharan Africa this year.

    “Even though spirituality dominated Nigeria’s top charts, the continued popularity of shows like “I Said What I Said” and “The HonestBunch Podcast” tell us that listeners also want conversation-style shows. Listeners in Kenya and South Africa also showed affinity toward these shows,” she said.

  • Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artistes in 2024

    Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artistes in 2024

    Nigerian music stars, Asake and Ayra Starr, have emerged the most streamed artiste in Nigeria, on Spotify, in 2024.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday, said this is according to “Spotify Wrapped 2024”.

    Okumu said that the ten most streamed male artistes in Nigeria for the year included: Asake, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Bnxn, ODUMODUBLVCK, Shallipopi, Davido and Young Jonn.

    According to her, the ten most streamed female artistes in Nigeria were: Ayra Starr, Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, SZA, Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, Rihanna, Simi and Fave.

    She listed the ten most streamed tracks in Nigeria as: Dealer by Ayo Maff and Fireboy; Different Pattern by Seyi Vibez; Higher by Burna Boy; WOTO WOTO SEASONING by ODUMODUBLVCK and Black Sherif and Aquafina by Young Jonn.

    She said others were: Stronger by Young Jonn, Egwu by Chike and Mohbad; Instagram by Muyeez and Seyi Vibez; Cast by Shallipopi and ODUMODUBLVCK and POE by Ruger and Bnxn.

    “For the fourth year running, Nigerian artistes have dominated the top 10 most-streamed list, proving the nation’s unwavering love for its homegrown talent.

    “Asake takes the crown as the most-streamed artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Gambia, and Benin.

    “And it wasn’t just the Gen Z crowd who were hooked, Asake, alongside Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and Seyi Vibez, captivated listeners from 13 to 55+ years old, landing on the top 10 artists list for these age groups.

    “Rising stars, Ayo Maff and Muyeez, stormed the most-streamed tracks list with tracks “Dealer” and “Instagram,” proving the industry’s bright future.

    “Young Jonn’s hits, “Aquafina” and “Stronger”, showcased his staying power, while Burna Boy held his own with “Higher”. It’s a dynamic blend of old and new, driving the industry forward.”

    Okumu described Nigeria’s vibrant music scene as a global force to be reckoned with.

    “Spotify is always honoured to showcase the depth of Nigerian music and its incredible talents through ‘Wrapped’ each year.

    “The seamless blend of generations and genres showcases the unique power of Nigerian music to resonate both locally and globally.

    “It’s inspiring to see how our artistes are not just shaping culture at home but also making waves internationally,” she said.

  • Burna Boy is most exported artiste in 2024

    Burna Boy is most exported artiste in 2024

    Spotify, an online streaming platform, has announced Nigerian music star Burna Boy, as the most exported artiste in the year 2024.

    Its Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    Okumu said according to “Spotify Wrapped 2024”, artistes like: Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Rema, Tems, Omah Lay, Asake, Wizkid, Davido, Fireboy and Victony emerged the top ten most exported artistes on Spotify in the year 2024.

    “Burna Boy’s global impact is undeniable. He’s Nigeria’s most-exported artiste and the only Nigerian in the UK’s Top 100.

    “In a surprise twist, Young Jonn’s Jiggy Forever leads as the most-streamed album, followed by Asake’s Lungu Boy.

    “Odumodu’s Eziokwu makes a comeback from last year, while Rema’s HEIS and Asake’s Work of Art also secured top spots, with the latter making a notable return.

    “Rising global star and Spotify RADAR alumna, Ayra Starr is also making waves. She’s the top female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, the most-streamed Nigerian artist in Latin America, and the top Nigerian female artiste in Europe.

    “Sharing stages with Coldplay and Chris Brown, she holds the record for the longest time on Spotify’s global chart, surpassing even Rema and Burna Boy,” she said.

    She said the top 10 most streamed albums in Nigeria within the period under review were: Jiggy Forever by Young Jonn; Lungu Forever by Asake; Eziokwu by Odumodu Blvck; HEIS by Rema and Work of Art by Asake.

    Okomu said others were: I Told Them by Burna Boy; The Year I Turned 21 by Ayra Starr; Boy Alone by Omah Lay; Mr Money With The Vibe by Asake and RNB by Ruger and Bnxn.

    She also revealed the top ten most streamed local podcasts in Nigeria as: “Apostle Femi Lazarus” and “Success Addicted Podcast with the voice of Earl Nightingale; Napoleon Hill; Jim Rohn and many more”.

    According to her, others are: The HonestBunch Podcast; Apostle Joshua Selman; Afro Latest Music; Cycasmotivation’s Podcast; KOINONIA with Apostle Joshua Selman; P.Daniel Olawande; I Said What I Said and ShxtsNGigs.

    On Nigeria’s listening habits in the year 2024, Okumu noted that Nigeria’s love for homegrown talent has been clear, with a 146 per cent increase in local music consumption over the past year.

    She said that Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja were the top cities driving Nigeria’s music scene.

    According to her, Religion and Spirituality; Lifestyle and Health; Business and Technology; Arts, Entertainment and Education remained the top growing podcast categories.

    “Spotify users can now dive into their personalised 2024 Wrapped experience, exclusively on the Spotify mobile app.

    “Premium users will enjoy a personalised playlist featuring music videos from their most-loved artistes of the year.

    “Fans of Ayra Starr, Joeboy, Ladi Poe, Crayon, Magixx, and Bayanni are in for a treat, as these artistes share special messages directly within the Wrapped Experience,” she said.

  • Wizkid sets new record on Spotify

    Wizkid sets new record on Spotify

    Ace Nigerian Artist, Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a new Spotify record for the biggest streams by any song.

    The superstar’s recently released album titled “Morayo” has claimed the number 1 spot on the Apple Music Nigeria Chart, with all his tracks dominating the charts to positions.

    One of his singles from the album titled “Kese (Dance)” set the record for the highest opening day stream on Spotify Nigeria with 1.5 million streams.

    Another single “Piece of My Heart” also surpass 1 million opening day streams on Spotify.

    Wizkid’s album, Morayo, which translates to “I see joy” in Yoruba, is a heart felt tribute to his late mother, Juliana Balogun, who passed away in August 2023.

    The album, which was launched on the November 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres.

    TNG reports the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist released “Morayo”, his sixth studio album, in tribute to his late mother, Jane Balogun, who passed on in August 2023.

    The 16-track album was release on streaming platforms on Friday. The tracks include hit songs — Troubled Mind, Karamo, Kese (Dance), Bad Girl, Time, Piece of My Heart and Pray, with collaborations
    featuring renowned artistes such as Asake, Brent Faiyaz, Jazmine Sullivan, Anaïs and Tiakola.

    Wizkid had earlier in June, in a video message shared on his social media page, told his fans that the album was to honour his late mother.

    He said “my album ‘Morayo’, dedicated to my mum, the love of my life, drops very soon. Don’t dull. Don’t sleep.”

    In another post on his X handle, he wrote: “Morayo! Friday, Nov. 22.”

    However, the ace singer in October dropped a track “Piece of My Heart”, featuring American singer and songwriter, Brent Faiyaz, from the album for his curious fans.

    The soul-stirring track immediately set a new record on Spotify for the biggest first day streams by any song, pulling 1.01 million streams.

    Wizkid broke the record he previously shared with Asake for their chart-topping single “MMS” from  Asake’s “Lungu Boy” album, making “Piece of My Heart” Africa’s first song to surpass one million opening day streams on Spotify.

    Wizkid, born in Surulere, Lagos, started his music career at 11 and released a collaborative album with Glorious Five, a group formed with Church friends.

    In 2009, he signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment and became famous with “Holla at Your Boy”, and since then, evolved to become a global brand.

    Among other feats, Wizkid became the first Nigerian musician to have over one million followers on Twitter (now X) in 2014.

    He became first Afrobeat artist to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records for his contribution to “One Dance” and his song “Soco” became his first Afrobeat single to be certified gold in Canada.

    In mid-2019, Wizkid was featured on Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl”, taken from the acclaimed “The Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack, which earned him his first Grammy Award, among other nominations and awards.

    Besides “Morayo”, his studio albums include Superstar (2011), Ayo (2014),Sounds from the Other Side (2017),Made in Lagos (2020) and More Love Less Hate (2022).

  • I knew I was going to be a superstar since I was 10 Years Old – Ayra Starr

    I knew I was going to be a superstar since I was 10 Years Old – Ayra Starr

    Popular Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, the has claimed she knew she was going to be a superstar at a tender age but confusion set in as to how that would happen.

    Recounting her rise to fame, Ayra said she ventured into the music world at 18, shortly after she graduated from the University.

    She made this known during an interview with a renowned streaming platform, Spotify where she revealed how she knew from a tender age about becoming famous.

    According to Ayra Starr, her mother stalled her music career until she graduated at 18, making it her first time in a studio.

    The Grammy nominee further highlighted the phases of her life after she bagged fame following the breakthrough of her first album.

    She said: “The year I turned 10, I knew I was going to be a superstar but I didn’t know how. The year I turned 16, I just wanted sing in my room; 18 was when I entered the studio for the first time, and I had just graduated from the university. I remember my mom said that the only time you can do music is when you can do music.

    “I released my first album in 19, ’19 and Dangerous’ and it took the world by storm. At 20, I released Rush and it was my biggest song. The year I turned 21, I got nominated for Grammy; that was the beginning of living my life as the global African superstar.”

     

  • Nigeria’s Podcast listenership, gospel music streaming increase by 482%, 1228%- Spotify

    Nigeria’s Podcast listenership, gospel music streaming increase by 482%, 1228%- Spotify

    Spotify, a global streaming platform,  says Nigeria’s Podcast listenership and gospel music streams have increased from 2022 to 2024 by 482 per cent and 1228 per cent respectively.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said this was in celebration of Easter.

    Okumu said “the growth in Gen Z’s engagement with gospel content on Spotify is a testament to its growing popularity.

    “Spotify data reveals a significant rise in both podcast listenership and gospel music streams in Nigeria,

    “In Nigeria,  podcast listenership has increased by 482 per cent and for gospel music streams, there is an increase of 1228 per cent.

    “For Kenya, we have increase in podcast listenership at 69 per cent and on gospel music streams, we have an increase of 365 per cent.

    “For podcast listenership in South Africa, we have an increase of 44 per cent and in Ghana,  we have 85 per cent.

    “And for gospel music streams in South Africa, we recorded 288 per cent increase while in Ghana, there is a 329 per cent increase.”

    According to her, enthusiasm is further reflected in the creation of user-generated playlists.

    She said this had Nigeria boasting of over 140,000, South Africa surpassing 470,000, Kenya exceeding 70,000, and Ghana with more than 45,000 gospel playlists curated by Gen Z users.

    “Easter is upon us! This year, Spotify is creating a dedicated haven, an Easter gospel hub, “He is Risen” for all those seeking connection, spiritual enrichment, and joyful celebration.
    “It promises to be fun while also offering a spiritually ethereal experience for lovers of the Christian faith.
    “The Spotify Easter “He is Risen” hub is your one-stop shop for all things gospel. It is a treasure trove of playlists overflowing with lenten selections for quiet reflection, vibrant Christian and Gospel music from across Africa.
    “Individuals can dive deeper with a selection of enriching podcasts of sermons, bible study sessions, daily devotions and prayers from inspiring preachers that will fuel your faith journey and keep your spirit strong,” she said.

  • Tyla’s daily streams has increased by 30,000% – Spotify

    Tyla’s daily streams has increased by 30,000% – Spotify

    Spotify, global online streaming platform, says Tyla’s daily streams has increased by 30,000 per cent after the release of her single “Water” in July 2023.

    Jodie Tabisher, Spotify’s Artist, Label and Partnerships Manager, South Africa disclosed this in celebration of Tyla’s newly released self-titled debut album.

    Tyla released her highly anticipated self-titled debut album, “Tyla” on March 22.

    The album is supported by singles: “Water”, “On and On”, “Truth or Dare” and “Art”, in addition to the promotional single “Butterflies”and the 2022 stand-alone single “To Last”.

    Tabisher said Tyla’s global hit single “Water”, opened the floodgates for her career, leading to a viral dance challenge, almost 500 million streams on Spotify so far and a Grammy win.

    “Over 30,000%! That’s the increase in Tyla’s average daily streams since Water was released. Her tracks have also been added to over 10 million playlists by Spotify users.

    “Her debut album, with features from Kelvin Momo, Tems, Becky G, and Gunna promises to keep Tyla firmly in the music stratosphere.

    “The fact that four of the songs from this album are already in Tyla’s top streamed tracks showcases her immense talent.

    “We are excited for everyone to experience South African talent on a global stage,” she said.

    According to Tabisher, the 14-track album which she first teased in November by releasing three songs had already become fans’ favorite.

    She noted that Truth or Dare, the soulful R&B release with a touch of Amapiano, Tyla’s signature, had taken the spot as her second most streamed song on Spotify, just four months after its release.

    She said Butterflies and On and On are also coming in hot, with both songs in her top ten most streamed tracks.

    She explained that Tyla’s journey did not begin with this viral hit because before Water, Tyla had a discography that included collaborations with some of Africa’s best artistes such as Ayra Starr and DJ Maphorisa.

    “While all her songs got a major bump in streams thanks to her now global fame, it’s her 2022 single, To Last, that has seen the highest increase, at 279 per cent, followed by Getting Late at 196 per cent.

    “Social media is a huge part of achieving virality, so it is no surprise that after Water, To Last had the highest shares with an increase of 173 per cent.

    “The star-power that is Tyla and Ayra Starr has made their collaboration, Girl Next Door both the most liked track and the most added to playlists, of all her tracks released before Water.

    “Most people, especially in Europe and the US, became familiar with Tyla post-Water. But a look at the streaming data from Spotify reveals that the artist was already making waves within Africa.

    “Her top streams before the release of Water came from Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

    “Now, Sydney, Melbourne and Jakarta are topping the cities streaming the artiste.

    ”A city that has been consistently streaming Tyla’s music is Amsterdam, which is in the top ten both before and after the release,” she said.

     

  • DBN Gogo emerges Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for March

    DBN Gogo emerges Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for March

    South African Disc Jockey and music producer, Mandisa Radebe, professionally known as “DBN Gogo”, has been announced as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for the month of March.

    Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for East Africa, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.

    Kemoli-Savanne said DBN Gogo was the only artiste in Africa so far to hold the EQUAL Africa ambassadorship twice, describing the development as a testament to her blossoming career.

    She noted that DBN Gogo’s year on Spotify just got even more interesting, first announced as part of mint’s Artistes to watch for 2024 alongside Uncle Waffles, HoneyLuv, and others, to now EQUAL Africa’s March Ambassador.

    “Spotify has added more than 6,900 women artistes to EQUAL playlists and supported over 1,000 ambassadors in their home countries including South Africa where the March ambassador DBN Gogo is from.

    “This support has ranged from editorial to partnerships and marketing.

    “How we show up on the continent for women and how we tell their stories is a priority for us, and artistes such as DBN Gogo are presenting positive narratives locally and to the world through EQUAL Africa,” she said.

    According to Kemoli-Savanne, EQUAL artistes received 1.3 billion editorial streams within their first month of joining the programme.

    She said, in total, the EQUAL hub had generated more than 31 billion editorial streams across 1 billion listening hours.

    She said that in 2023 alone, more than 14.8 million artiste discoveries were made through EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artistses received over 11,800 total editorial playlists add.

    ln her response, DBN Gogo said: “Being a part of the EQUAL Africa programme is something I am truly grateful for.

    “Being recognised and celebrated as one of the many women pioneering in South Africa music is an honour.

    “The industry being male-dominated just exists as a fact in my world, not a barrier to entry. I have set my own standard.”

    Revealing the African artistes she grew up listening to, DBN Gogo said “I grew up listening to all the South Africa greats, Boom Shaka, Thebe, Jimmy Dludlu, Malaika.

    “The influence of kwaito and Afro-pop is quite heavy in the present dance and Amapiano genre.”

    Also, describing her music style, she said: “My style is quite diverse, I wouldn’t say it is one thing. A mixture of Amapiano, 3 step with Gqom as well. I like to experiment.”

  • Apple fined N2.9 trillion over unfair competition in music streaming

    Apple fined N2.9 trillion over unfair competition in music streaming

    The European Commission has fined Apple 1.8 billion Euros (about 2.9 trillion in Naira) for unfair competitive practices involving its music streaming service, Apple Music.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Apple was handed the fine following a complaint by music streaming rival, Spotify.

    Apple device users in the European Union “were not able to make a free choice as to where, how and at what prices to buy music streaming subscriptions,” EU competition chief Margarethe Vestager said at a news conference.

    The fine relates to Apple’s practice of charging companies a 30 per cent fee for sales made through apps running on Apple’s iOS operating system for iPhones and iPads.

    Companies that wanted to avoid the fee and in turn offer lower prices had to handle sales outside the app.

    But Apple also forbade them from using the iOS app to inform users about prices or to provide a link to a sign-up page, the commission said.

    “For example, Spotify sells subscriptions through its website, but not through the Spotify app for devices running Apple’s iOS operating system.

    “Users can sign up to Apple’s own music streaming service, Apple Music, through the “Music” app that comes with iOS.

    “The commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app.

    “This is illegal under EU antitrust rules. From now on Apple would have to allow music streaming developers to communicate freely with their own users,” including within iOS apps,” the  EU competition chief said.