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Tag: SPOTIFY

  • Countries where Ayra Starr’s songs are mostly streamed revealed

    Countries where Ayra Starr’s songs are mostly streamed revealed

    Spotify, an online streaming platform has revealed the top 10 countries where Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr’s songs were most streamed across the globe.

    Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, in Lagos.

    Okpala said Ayra Starr’s music were mostly streamed in the United States of America, France, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, South Africa and Kenya.

    He said this was released to keep her fans abreast of how far her music had been embraced globally as she prepared for her first World Tour, tagged ‘21: The World Tour’ in a nod to her current age.

    According to him, the tour will span three continents: America, Africa, and Europe, with the North America leg of the tour focusing on the United States and Canada, where most of her 2023 streams on Spotify are coming from.

    “The top 10 countries streaming Ayra Starr’s songs according to Spotify are the United States of America, France, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, South Africa and Kenya.

    ”It, therefore,  makes sense that almost all these countries are part of the destinations listed on her tour.

    “Ayra Starr is one of our Spotify RADAR alumni, and has proved that she is an exceptional musical talent and a unique voice in the music space among Gen Z’s.

    “Her musical journey has been inspiring to watch,” he said.

    Okpala noted that Ayra Starr’s song “Rush” is popular in the USA, France, Malawi, Italy, Zimbabwe, UK, South Africa and Spain so the fans can definitely be sure it will be part of her set.

    He said “Rush” also tops the list as her most exported song among listeners in the 18-35 age group and her most playlisted song.

    He noted that earlier in the year, Ayra Starr released the song,  Sability,  which featured an interpolation from Awilo Longomba’s classic album, Coupé Bibamba.

    She said the song ranked as her most streamed song in Nigeria, followed by Tiwa Savage’s Stamina which featured her and Young Jonn.

    According to her, the love is not only limited to her recent releases; Bloody Samaritan, released in July 2021, is her second most playlisted song and also one of the top exported songs.

    “Her other top exported songs were all features including hers and Omah Lay’s feature on Libianca’s People, Wizkid’s 2 Sugar and Mavins’ Overloading (OVERDOSE),” he said.

  • Barcelona FC secure €1.45 bn for Camp Nou renovation

    Barcelona FC secure €1.45 bn for Camp Nou renovation

    Barcelona FC have finally secured funding to regenerate their Camp Nou stadium and the surrounding areas.

    The club initially announced renovation plans in 2014, but a host of problems since have meant only a small part of the work has taken place.

    The project now looks set to accelerate quickly upon the completion of the season, however, with Barca confirming on Monday that 20 investors have made €1.45 billion ($1.6 billion) available.

    Barca assured concerned fans that “club assets were not used as a guarantee and a mortgage wasn’t taken out on the stadium”,

    Repayments are set to be made in instalments paid at five, seven, nine, 20, and 24 years “with a flexible structure”.

    “This operation once again confirms the club’s credibility regarding the Spotify Camp Nou project, the epicentre for Espai Barca,” a statement added.

    “The project is essential when it comes to keeping Barcelona at the forefront of world sport, is one of the foundations for the club’s economic recovery and future viability.

    “It is a tool to enable continuation of the governance model, whereby the over 146,000 Club members are its owners.

    “In the coming days, the club will hold a press conference regarding the details of the operation.”

    While Barca will play out the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign at Camp Nou, it had already been confirmed they are to move to the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic for next season.

    Barca are reportedly hoping to be back at Camp Nou in late 2024.

  • Spotify reveals top 10 Nigerian Easter gospel songs

    Spotify reveals top 10 Nigerian Easter gospel songs

    Spotify, a global online streaming platform, has revealed the top ten Nigerian Easter favourite gospel music.

    Victor Okpala, Artist and Label Partnerships Manager, West Africa for Spotify, in a statement on Thursday said that data from the platform showed listenership trends around gospel music from Nigeria during Easter paint an interesting picture.

    He said the songs were: Worthy of My Soul (Worthy of It All) by Chandler Moore; Maverick City Gospel Choir;  Maverick City Music and Phil Wickman.

    Others are Adom Grace by Diana Hamilton; Onaga (It’s Working) by JJ Hairston, Tim Godfrey and Youthful Praise; You Waited by Travis Greene; For Your Glory (Live) by Tasha Cobbs Leonard; King of Kings by Chandler Moore; Be Lifted (Live) by MOGMusic; You Know My Name by Jimi Cravity and Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Your Spirit by Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Won’t Let Go by Travis Greene.

    According to him, Nigerian artistes’ music has travelled far and wide, and as Easter comes nearer, becomes a source of upliftment to fans in multiple territories.

    “Spotify data shows that Nigerians listen to more gospel music during the Easter period.

    “Data from Spotify reveals that certain songs strike a chord among listeners uniquely during the Easter period, leading to massive spikes in listenership during the holiday.

    “Of the Easter favorites among Nigerians, Chandler Moore’s Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All) saw a 43 per cent  increase in streams during the Easter season in past years.

    “It is followed by Diana Hamilton’s Adom Grace which inspired a 30 per cent spike during Easter,” he  said.

    Okpala also listed the top ten Nigerian gospel exports in the last one year.

    He said these included: Kumama Papa by Grace Lokwa; Moses Bliss and Prinx Emmanuel; Nara by Tim Godfrey, and Travis Greene.

    Okpala said others were: God Turned It Around by Nathaniel Bassey; Tim Bowman Jr and Tim Godfrey; His Words by Grace Tena; Mighty God (Remix) by Joe Praize and Soweto Gospel Choir; Dansaki by Lara George; I’m Good by Sal Ly; Most Beautiful by Grace Tena; My God by Grace Lokwa and Moses Bliss and Evidence by Tim Godfrey.

    “Nigerian gospel is a very special offering that combines local sensibilities with the exalting message and belief of a global faith.

    “We are excited to deliver those songs alongside Gospel essentials from the world over as part of this unique experience to inspire the faithful during this important celebration.

    “Nigerian music is one of the country’s most popular exports, even more so during the streaming era.

    “In keeping with this trend, some of our favorite local gospel songs have also found massive global audiences outside Nigeria, and become big music exports enjoyed by Christians around the world.

    “Kumama Papa by Grace Lokwa, Moses Bliss and Prinx Emmanuel is the most exported of the bunch.

    ”According to Spotify data, more than half of its streams come from the UK, United States, Ghana, France, Canada and Kenya,” he said.

  • Spotify reveals tracklist for Davido’s “Timeless” album

    Spotify reveals tracklist for Davido’s “Timeless” album

    Spotify, a global online streaming platform, has revealed the tracklist for Davido’s forthcoming new album, “Timeless”.

    Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artiste and Labels Partnerships Manager for West Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    Okpala said the album was slated to feature a total of 17 tracks, including the previously released ‘Champion Sound’ with Amapiano ambassador,  Focalistic.

    He listed the full Timeless tracklist as: Over Dem; Feel, In The Garden featuring Morravey; Godfather; Unavailable featuring Musa Keys; BOP featuring Dexta Daps; E Pain Me; Away; Precision and Kante, featuring Fave.

    Others are: Na Money featuring The Cavemen and Angelique Kidjo, U (Juju) featuring Skepta, No Competition featuring Asake, Picasso featuring Logos Olori, For The Road, LCND and Champion Sound featuring Focalistic

    “This release is a much anticipated moment for one of African music’s greatest ambassadors of the digital era.

    “Spotify is committed to providing a platform for global audiences to connect with African content and we are glad to support Davido as he achieves another milestone.

    “Spotify today unveiled an exclusive trailer to herald Davido’s forthcoming album, Timeless.

    “The trailer, which features the African superstar on the set of a TV interview, comes as fans anticipate the Afrobeats star’s fourth studio album, which was announced for release on March 31.

    “It will be the star’s first sonic offering following a five-month long public hiatus and his first album since 2020’s A Better Time,” he said.

    Okala said that the tracks had also been released through Spotify’s social channels as the trailer sees Davido answering questions about his new body of work, describing it simply in one word, Timeless.

    He said if the calibre of artistes and Davido’s penchant for timeless collaborations were anything to go by, fans were in for an amazing musical experience.

    He explained that the album featured established and emerging talents from around the world.

    “It boasts a roll-call of established international and emerging local artistes as well, in keeping with Davido’s decade-spanning reputation as a connector and key collaborator in Afrobeats and global music.

    “Some of the most exciting names include UK Grime legend Skepta, dancehall king Dexta Daps, Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo and Nigerian hitmaker Asake.

    “Davido also uses the album to shine the spotlight on emerging talent like Nigerian singers, Logos olori and Fave, as well as the exciting Nigerian folk band, The Cavemen and digital content creator, Morravey.

    “The trailer follows the Spotify-exclusive Timeless Afro, a playlist featuring the most definitive Afrobeat songs as curated by Davido.

    “These initiatives are part of the streaming giant’s support for the singer’s return to the public eye, and in keeping with Spotify’s long-running mission to support African music and its creators,” he said.

  • Tupac ‘resurrects’ in Spotify’s most streamed track from 90s

    Tupac ‘resurrects’ in Spotify’s most streamed track from 90s

    Spotify, an online streaming platform, has announced that late American Rapper, Tupac Shakur’s track, “Hit Em Up”, is the most streamed track from the 90s in the year 2022.

    Tupac, who died on Sept. 13, 1996, of gunshot wounds suffered in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting, still have his musical collections as evergreen.

    Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, in a statement on Sunday, said that the 10 most streamed tracks from the 90s had been released.

    Okpala said Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg’s “Still D.R.E” was the second most streamed track from the 90s in 2022, in Nigeria.

    He listed others as: Tupac’s “Dear Mama”; Coolio, L.V.’s “Gangsta”; Tupac and Dr. Dre’s “Roger- California Love (Original Version)”; Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me (Theme from “Up Close and Personal).

    He said others were: Tupac’s “Do For Love”; Tupac and Talent’s “Changes”; Lucky Dube’s “It’s Not Easy (Remastered)” and Boyz II Men’s “End of The Road”.

    “A step further back into the 90s throws us straight into palm trees and the golden age of West Coast Hip-Hop, the top tracks are dominated by rap, as 2pac leads the pack with some of his best-known classics, including Hit Em Up and California Love.

    “This nostalgic feeling for the era builds on a deep love for the genre and its sub-cultures that is even reflected in the styles of new wave artists like PrettyBoy DO.

    “Tapping into another aspect of Nigerian 90s nostalgia is Lucky Dube’s “It’s Not Easy”, a song that has maintained strong fandom since it crossed over from South Africa as a message of struggle and hope, and is still poignant in current times,” he said.

    Okpala noted that the most streamed tracks from 2000s on Spotify in Nigeria in 2022 is Beyonce’s “Halo”.

    He listed others as: Eminem’s “Mockingbird”; Dido and Eminem’s “Stan”; 50 Cent’s “In Da Club”; Styl Plus’s “Olufunmi”; 9ice’s “Gongo Aso”; Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj’s “High School”; Jay Z and Rihanna’s “Umbrella”; D’banj’s “Fall In Love” and Mario’s “Let Me Love You”.

    “Looking at the top songs from earlier decades, it is also clear that old sentiments stand strong as shown by  Lucky Dube’s “Remember Me” being the most streamed song from the 80s in Nigeria this year.

    “Likewise, the influence of nostalgia in broader pop culture is playing a role in bringing that music to new listeners,” he said.

  • Burna Boy is 10th most streamed artise in Nigeria – Spotify

    Burna Boy is 10th most streamed artise in Nigeria – Spotify

    Ebunoluwa Ogulu simply known on stage as Burna Boy is among the 10 most streamed male artists in Nigeria, according to Spotify online streaming platform.

    Spotify’s Artiste & Label Partnerships Manager in West Africa, Victor Okpala, made the statement on Wednesday.

    He noted that it  was observed by Spotify and published as “Wrapped”.

    The other artists listed in the top 10, included Asake, Wizkid, BNXN fka Buju, Davido, Drake, Fireboy DML, Omah Lay, Rema and Kizz Daniel.

    Okpala said that the top most streamed female artistes in Nigeria were Ayra Starr, Tems, Rihanna, Asa, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, Fave, Billie Eilish, Simi and Beyoncé.

    He also listed the top 10 most streamed tracks in Nigeria in 2022 as Last Last by Burna Boy; Peace Be Unto You by Asake; Bandana by Fireboy DML; Finesse by Pheelz; Omo Ope by Asake; Terminator by Asake; Overloading (OVERDOSE) by Mavins; PALAZZO by SPINALL; Calm Down by Rema and It is Plenty by Burna Boy.

    “2022 ushered us into an era of cultural overdrive and we are excited for fans and artistes alike to share these insights on the music they created and listened to this year.

    “Spotify announced this year’s edition of Wrapped, its hotly anticipated annual round up of the top artistes and music of the year as streamed by users around the world.

    “And this year’s data paints a picture of how Nigerian music captured hearts, both at home and around the world.

    “In 2022, Nigerian music has continued to hoist its flag in different global territories claiming its space on the world stage.

    “The year in Afrobeats was defined by the emergence of a hybrid Amapiano sound, an endless pipeline of hits, and new heights for a generation of pop royalty who are questioning our ideas of what’s popular in style and sound,” he said.

    Okpala noted that Nigerians listened more to local music in 2022 with a 291 per cent Year-on-Year increase in local music consumption when compared with 2021.

    “2022 is the year that Burna Boy set the world on fire- claiming the number one spot as the most streamed artist in Nigeria.

    “The love affair was not only local, he is also the most globally streamed artiste from sub-Saharan Africa.

    “His track Last Last takes the crown for the most streamed song and also the most hearted song in Nigeria.

    “Spotify RADAR alumnus, Ayra Starr, is the most streamed female artiste in Nigeria while Tems has the leading vibe among Nigeria’s musical exports in 2022.

    “Wait For You, the singer’s collaboration with Future & Drake, was the top Nigerian song export of the year,” he said.

    Okpala listed the most streamed albums as Love, Damini by Burna Boy; Mr Money With The Vibe by Asake; Playboy by Fireboy DML; Boy Alone by Omah Lay; Rave & Roses by Rema and Made In Lagos.

    “The most hearted songs in Nigeria are: Last Last by Burna Boy; Bandana by Fireboy DML; Calm Down by Rema; Finesse by Pheelz and Peace Be Unto You by Asake.

    The list included, Terminator by Asake; Omo Ope by Asake; Overloading (OVERDOSE) by Mavins; Buga (Lo Lo Lo) by Kizz Daniel and For My Hand (feat. Ed Sheeran) by Burna Boy.

    “The most streamed playlists in Nigeria are: Hot Hits Naija, African Heat, Gbedu, Traffic Jams Naija, Bubblin, Afro Hits, Afropop, Today’s Top Hits, Party Dey and New Music Friday Naija,” he said.

  • Ladé emerges Spotify’s “Fresh Find Africa” artiste for July

    Ladé emerges Spotify’s “Fresh Find Africa” artiste for July

    Spotify, an online streaming platform, has announced emerging Nigerian artiste, Ladé, as its “Fresh Finds Africa” artiste for the month of July.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of music for sub-Saharan Africa disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

    “Ladé is the latest Fresh Finds Africa artiste for July.

    “The singer headlined the Fresh Finds Africa playlist with her hit song, ‘Adulthood Anthem’, she said.

    Okumu noted that as a platform designed to help emerging artistes gain recognition, the Fresh Finds Africa playlist served as the programme’s central focus.

    She said it offered up-and-coming musicians exposure to help them succeed in the long term.

    According to her, the programme also catered to fans and industry trendsetters looking to find fresh and exciting talent.

    “We are proud to welcome Ladé to the Fresh Finds Africa programme, she is a voice for the youth of today, not just in her homeland Nigeria but globally.

    “She has captured the hearts of our editorial staff and those of more than 300,000 users on TikTok by expressing herself in an authentic and relatable manner on this track.

    “She is an incredible individual with beautiful vocals. Ladé is the voice, without a doubt,” she said.

    In her response, Ladé said, “The joy that comes with being rerecognised for what you do consistently is an entirely different feeling. I honestly cannot hide it, I am so grateful.”

    Ladé, whose full name is Omolade Oyetundun, began her musical career at a young age, and her distinct vocals and catchy tone have propelled her to success in the industry.

    She rose to prominence after covering Simi’s song, ‘Duduke,’ which received over 20,000 views on social media in 2020 and her smash hit, “Adulthood Anthem”, grew to become one of the most popular sounds used for videos on various social media platforms.

    She has also recorded jingles for television and radio commercials for top Nigerian brands such as Smoov, Maltina, Travelbeta, Vestpay and Lacasera.

    In 2021, she unveiled her highly anticipated EP titled ‘Omolade The EP’, which gained widespread praise from her fan base and music enthusiasts.

    Fresh Finds Africa is a monthly programme with a new artiste selected every month by the Spotify music team.

    This forms part of Spotify’s continued commitment to support the African music industry, through initiatives such as EQUAL and RADAR.

  • Burna Boy, Nigeria’s leading music export, continues to dominate African market in 2021– Spotify

    Burna Boy, Nigeria’s leading music export, continues to dominate African market in 2021– Spotify

    The global music industry is turning its attention to Africa and Nigeria’s new generation of artistes are quickly becoming its biggest success.

    Top on the list of these Nigerian artistes is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as “Burna Boy” who according to Spotify’s ratings bagged second most streamed album after Wizkid who got first as the artiste with the most streamed album.

    This was according to a statement released by Mr Owoyemi Ajayi, Spotify’s Account Manager.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Spotify is a global online streaming platform.

    Ajayi said commendations go to a combination that includes talented artistes, exceptional producers, DJs, local and international promoters, leading entertainment Public Relations, marketing professionals, and a growing local audience.

    ” The Afro-fusion artiste hit the music world like a storm with the release of his global breakout album, “African Giant”,

    ” This has since staked a claim as one of the biggest stars on the music scene worldwide, a crossover sensation who refuses to compromise.

    ” Known for using his music as a tool for telling the story of his life and his surroundings, Burna Boy’s ability to weave tales of love and educate listeners on politics and expressions of vulnerability, while creating authentic Afrobeats, is how he’s been able to capture the world’s attention,” he said.

    Ajayi said in spite the fact that Burna Boy didn’t release an album in 2021, this has still been a standout year for him, who has won a string of awards and sold out venues across the globe.

    He noted that the two-time Grammy nominee won the award for Best Global Music Album in the World Music category for his 2020-released Twice as Tall album.

    ” As he noted while receiving his Grammy Award, “This is a big win for Africans of my generation all over the world”.

    ” His recent features on chart-topping singles like Question, Ginger and Yaba Buluku reinforces his vocal appendage as an Afro heirloom that artistes the world over seek to possess on their songs.

    ” From the thick gold chains that adorn his neck to his vast collection of rings and gold and jewel-encrusted teeth grills, Burna Boy has also carved a fashion niche for new-generation Afro-fusion acts.

    ” With huge global monthly listeners, Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter, Burna Boy is undoubtedly one of Africa’s biggest musical exports,” he said.

    In Spotify’s recently released 2021 Wrapped data, Burna Boy featured prominently among the top 10 artistes in almost every listed country in Africa.

    He ranked among the top 10 streamed artistes in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The lowest position in these countries is number five in Kenya.

    According to the Wrapped data, his album “Twice as Tall” is among the top 10 albums for the year in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, as well as Uganda, and ranked in the top 30 in Kenya.

    Burna Boy’s growth in the music industry and his many successes are inspirational as every step he takes elevates him, in the music industry in Nigeria, and the continent of Africa at large.

    As Burna Boy continues to march on, there’s a great possibility that the doors he walks through will be left open for the up-and-coming music artistes to follow in his footsteps.

    He has been resilient in his pursuit to remain the ‘Odogwu’ or better still, the ‘African Giant’ of African music, most especially, the Afro sound.

  • Tencent Music revenue jumps 18%, beats estimates

    Tencent Music revenue jumps 18%, beats estimates

    China’s Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME) said on Tuesday its quarterly revenue leaped 18%, beating Wall Street estimates as it puts more music for streaming behind its paywall and grew its paid subscriber base by more than half.

    The strong performance comes amid a growing rift between Beijing and Washington that has overshadowed Chinese firms in the United States.

    Shares rose 2.4 per cent in extended trade after it said second-quarter revenue grew to 6.93 billion Yuan ($997 million).

    Asked whether TME had a plan to deal with a recommendation from President Donald Trump’s administration over auditing U.S.-listed Chinese firms, Chief Strategy Officer Tony Yip told analysts in a briefing that it was “premature” to speculate over a potential delisting.

    Controlled by Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings Ltd (0700.HK), TME’s capitalisation on the New York market is about $26 billion.

    For the quarter ended June 30, TME said paid users of its online music service rose 52 per cent to 47.1 million, the fastest quarter on record according to TME. Net income attributable to shareholders rose 1.3 per cent to 939 million Yuan ($135 million) from 927 million Yuan a year earlier.

    The company has signed multiple partnerships with international and domestic music labels to expand its premium user base.

    On Monday, it also extended its multi-year licensing agreement with music company Universal Music Group (UMG), home to Taylor Swift and The Beatles, while also announcing a new joint venture music label.

    In comparison, investor and peer Spotify Technology SA reported 138 million paid users in the quarter.

    Unlike Spotify, TME generates only a part of its revenue from music subscription packages and relies heavily on services popular in China such as online karaoke and live streaming.

  • How Niniola became Nigeria’s first artiste to land 1m listeners on spotify

    Maradona crooner, Niniola has made history with over 1 million listeners on Spotify, making her the first female Nigerian artiste ever to cross the 1million mark.

     

    The AfroHouse singer released her debut album ‘This is me’ in November 2017 to critical acclaim with Maradona leading the trend with over 1.7 million streams on Spotify.

     

    The music streaming platform, which measures artiste popularity with listenership has solidified Niniola’s music as staple among music lovers crowning her with the coveted title of the most popular Nigerian female artiste.

     

    Niniola is a singer and songwriter with a vocal range that can calm frayed nerves.

    Her debut album ‘This is me’ has songs like Saro, Magun, Maradona and Sicker which has been receiving a lot of airplay and topping charts.