The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Spotify

  • Rema’s ’Rave & Roses’ hits three billion Spotify streams

    Rema’s ’Rave & Roses’ hits three billion Spotify streams

    Award-winning singer Rema’s debut album, “Rave & Roses (Ultra version)”, has made history by becoming the first African project to surpass three billion streams on Spotify.

    This achievement is largely attributed to the massive success of the album’s lead single, “Calm Down” (remix with Selena Gomez), which became the first African song to hit 1 billion streams on the platform.

    The combined versions of “Calm Down” contributed over 2 billion streams to the album’s total, while the remaining 20 tracks contributed less than 1 billion.

    Read Also: Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Tems, make history at World Cup, UCL, Ballon D’or, Club World Cup finals

    Rema’s record-breaking feat signifies the growing global influence of African music.

    Other notable African artists have also achieved significant milestones on Spotify, including Tyla, whose self-titled debut album has amassed over 2 billion streams.

    Burna Boy’s albums “African Giant” and “Love, Damini”, Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos: Deluxe Edition”, and CKay’s “CKay the First” have all surpassed 1 billion streams.

  • Wizkid becomes first African artist to hit 9 billion streams on Spotify

    Wizkid becomes first African artist to hit 9 billion streams on Spotify

    Music sensation Wizkid has made history by becoming the first African artist to surpass 9 billion streams on Spotify.

    The bulk of Wizkid’s streaming success can be attributed to his hit collaboration with Drake and Kyla, “One Dance,” which has racked up 3.7 billion streams.

    The song not only tops Wizkid’s discography but also ranks among the top 10 most streamed songs on Spotify.

    Read Also: Wizkid introduced me to Instagram, says Daddy Showkey

    Notably, “One Dance” holds a Guinness World Record for being the first single to exceed 1 billion streams on the platform.

    As a solo artist, Wizkid’s standout track is “Essence,” featuring Tems, which has garnered over 303 million streams.

    Meanwhile, Taylor Swift maintains her dominance as the most streamed artist on Spotify, with over 1.5 billion streams to her name.

  • Rema’s ‘Baby’ tops Spotify’s Global Impact List in Nigeria for H1 2025

    Rema’s ‘Baby’ tops Spotify’s Global Impact List in Nigeria for H1 2025

    Spotify’s Global Impact List in Nigeria for the first half of 2025 has been released, featuring the country’s top 30 songs and tracks that have resonated with international audiences.

    Rema’s hit single “Baby” claims the number one spot as the most exported Nigerian song of 2025.

    In a statement by Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, on Monday said that this year’s Global Impact List showcases the incredible range and global appeal of Nigerian music.

    The list reflects the diversity and global appeal of Nigerian music, with Afrobeats dominating the chart.

    Notably, Lawrence Oyor’s gospel anthem “Favour” stands out as the only gospel track to secure a spot.

    Emerging artists Chella and Minz also made the list with their standout tracks “My Darling” and “Number One”, respectively.

    Female artists are also making waves globally, with Ayra Starr securing two spots on the list with “All The Love” and “Gimme Dat”, and Teni shining with her hit “Money”.

    Davido leads with an impressive nine entries, while Burna Boy follows closely with five.

    According to Okumu, their consistent global appeal and cross-generational resonance reaffirm their status as pillars of Nigerian music’s international success.

    Below is the list of top 30 Nigerian songs with global reach from January to June 2025:

    Rema – Baby (Is it a Crime)

    Shallipopi – Laho

    Davido & Omah Lay – With You

    Chella – My Darling

    Burna Boy & Travis Scott – TaTaTa

    Frenna & Shallipopi – ZAAZAA

    Coldplay, TWICE, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI & Little Simz – WE PRAY (TWICE Version)

    Burna Boy – Update

    Burna Boy & Shallipopi – Laho II

    Davido – Be There Still

    Ayra Starr & Wizkid – Gimme Dat

    Davido & Victoria Monét – Offa Me

    Davido & Chris Brown – Titanium

    Rema – Bout U

    ODUMODUBLVCK & Victony – PITY THIS BOY

    Ayra Starr – All The Love

    Lawrence Oyor – Favour

    Black Sherif & Fireboy DML – So it Goes

    Asake – WHY LOVE

    Beéle & Thisizlondon – si mañana me muero

    Adekunle Gold – Obimo

    Read Also: Ikhana discharged, remains under medical watch

    Davido, Tayc & Dadju – Lover Boy

    Davido, Shenseea & 450 – R&B

    Burna Boy – Sweet Love

    Tobias Rahim & Kabusa Oriental Choir – Regntid

    Teni – Money

    Davido – 10 Kilo

    Himra & Minz – NUMBER ONE

    Davido, Victony & Musa Keys – Holy Water

    Davido – Anything

  • Chune.xyz: Your Spotify Alternative For Discovering And Supporting Independent African Artists

    Chune.xyz: Your Spotify Alternative For Discovering And Supporting Independent African Artists

    Imagine scrolling through your Spotify playlist, jamming to the latest Afrobeats banger or Amapiano groove, only to wonder: How much of this actually supports the artist behind it?

    We’ve all been there, loving the convenience of streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music, with endless tracks at our fingertips.

    But for independent artists, especially rising talents from Africa, those platforms often mean pennies (or less) per stream, barely enough to cover studio time or a music video shoot.

    If you’re an indie music fan tired of the status quo, or an emerging artist searching for a fairer way to monetize your craft, Chune.xyz is the game-changing Spotify alternative you’ve been waiting for.

    This blockchain-powered music discovery platform empowers creators to thrive beyond traditional streaming, turning superfans into real investors.

    Let’s dive into why it’s buzzing and how you can get involved today.

    Why Streaming Falls Short for Independent Artists (And What You Can Do About It)

    Picture this: You’re an up-and-coming Afrobeats producer in Lagos, dropping fire tracks that rack up thousands of plays on Spotify.

    Sounds great, right? But reality hits, those streams translate to fractions of a cent, leaving you hustling side gigs to fund your passion.

    It’s a common story for independent artists in genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and 3-Step Afro-House, where global hype doesn’t equal fair pay.

    Major platforms prioritize algorithms and big labels, burying emerging voices.

    As a fan, you “like” and share, but it feels passive, there’s no way to truly own or invest in the music you discover.

    Chune.xyz flips this script as a top Spotify alternative for independent artists, offering direct monetization tools that put power back in creators’ hands. 

    No more waiting months for payouts; hello, instant revenue and deeper connections.

    Discover Chune.xyz: The Ultimate Music NFT Platform for Indie Creators

    Chune.xyz isn’t just another streaming service or NFT platform, it’s a vibrant music NFT platform designed for African artists and global fans. 

    Inspired by the scarcity of limited-edition vinyl and CDs, Chune lets artists release “digital song editions” as NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. 

    These aren’t gimmicks; they’re verifiable collectibles that give you, the fan, ownership perks like exclusive access, artwork, or even royalty shares.

    It’s the perfect Soundcloud alternative for independent artists seeking sustainable income without gatekeepers.

    How Chune Works: Simple Steps to Monetize and Collect Music NFTs

    Getting started is effortless, whether you’re an artist dropping your next hit or a fan hunting for hidden gems:

    Sign Up and Verify: Create your profile in minutes, no tech expertise needed.

    Upload your track, add eye-catching artwork, set edition limits (e.g., 100 rare copies), price it, and include fan perks like early listens or revenue shares.

    Mint Seamlessly on Ethereum: Chune handles the blockchain magic, making it as easy as posting on social media.

    Sell Directly to Fans: Listeners buy from your profile, with funds hitting your wallet instantly.

    Earn Ongoing Royalties: When fans resell on secondary markets, you automatically get a cut, turning one-time sales into lifelong income.

    This process isn’t hypothetical; during six months on Ethereum’s Sepolia testnet, Chune sold over 1,000 song editions to 50+ early users, proving real demand for this independent artists monetization model.

    Exciting Launch Partnership: Amapiano Groove Records Takes Center Stage

    To celebrate its Ethereum mainnet launch (happening now as of July 2025), Chune is already in talks with Amapiano Groove Records, an innovative South African label fusing AI with human creativity for fresh Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-House vibes.

    Their limited drops (just 100-250 editions each) let you own exclusive tracks before they hit mainstream playlists.

    As a fan, imagine snagging a piece of the next global hit; as an artist, it’s inspiration for your own releases.

    Chune complements Spotify and Apple Music perfectly, using them for broad discovery, then Chune for meaningful support. It’s not competition; it’s evolution.

    Join the Chune Revolution: Support Independent African Music Today

    Whether you’re an artist in Nairobi ready to fund your EP, a fan in London scouting African music discoveries, or a label exploring white-label NFT solutions, Chune.xyz is your gateway to a fairer music world.

    Artists: Sign up now, launch your first digital collectible, and turn streams into real earnings.

    Fans: Browse and collect music NFTs from emerging talents, join the waitlist for exclusive drops.

    Everyone: Visit Chune.xyz today and be part of a community where indie artists thrive.

    Don’t just stream, own the future.

    Head to beta.chune.xyz, explore this Spotify alternative for independent artists, and start supporting the beats you love.

  • Wizkid’s ‘Made in Lagos’ hits one billion streams on Spotify

    Wizkid’s ‘Made in Lagos’ hits one billion streams on Spotify

    Grammy-winning singer Wizkid has surpassed one billion streams on Spotify with his fourth album, “Made in Lagos”.

    Released in October 2020, the album has been a huge success, with his global hit “Essence,” which has garnered over 400 million streams.

    The album features a rich fusion of Pop, Afrobeats, and R&B, with guest appearances from notable artists like Burna Boy, H.E.R., Tems and Justin Bieber.

    Read Also: Wizkid’s “Made In Lagos” is first African album to get RIAA Gold

    The success of “Made in Lagos” has earned Wizkid several awards and multiple certifications.

    With this achievement, Wizkid joins an elite group of Nigerian artists with albums surpassing 1 billion Spotify streams, including Rema, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay.

    He has continued to release successful projects, including “More Love, Less Ego,” “Soundman Vol 2” EP, and his 6th album “Morayo”.

  • Podcasters react as Spotify bans Rodney Omeokachie’s popular podcast

    Podcasters react as Spotify bans Rodney Omeokachie’s popular podcast

    A number of podcasters in Nigeria have expressed varied views over Spotify’s ban of Rodney Omeokachie’s popular podcast, The Young God podcast.

    After the popular podcast was deplatformed from Spotify, a lot of podcasters have raised an eyebrow claiming no prior notice was sent to Rodney just as he was unaware of violating any of the stated rules of having his podcast on the streaming platform.

    In a chat with The Nation, Rodney narrated his experience claiming his podcast was deplatformed on March 11, 2025 with a tangible reason or warning communicated to him.

    In his words, “Spotify For Creators, formerly known as Anchor, is the platform where I used to host my podcast — The Young God. On the 11th of March, 2025 at about 11 PM, Spotify deplatformed my podcast for no reason and without warning. YouTube sent me an email telling me they no longer had access to my feed. That’s how it came to my attention. It turned out that not only did Spotify delete my podcast and podcast account, they deleted my personal Spotify account as well. I can no longer listen to music or podcasts on the Spotify platform. Once the deletion occurred, my podcast ceased to exist on nearly every podcast provider, except Apple Podcasts and YouTube. I have effectively lost 7 years worth of content, data, analytics, following, and access to a 30m+ audience.”

    Speaking further, Rodney insisted that his request to know what the problem was met with brick walls from Spotify.

    He said, “Spotify never responded directly despite numerous attempts to ascertain why. But according to an anonymous Spotify insider, Spotify deleted The Young God because of ‘controversial’ episodes which were scheduled for release. Not published episodes. Episodes in my draft that happened to discuss ideas that Spotify didn’t want to spread.”

    Continuing, he said, “There have been copyright infringements in the past and those episodes were taken down understandably. In those cases, Spotify sent emails stating the reason and the source of the complaint. In those rare cases, I did not challenge the takedowns.”

    On the theme of his podcast, Rodney said, “The Young God is an intricate collection of stories, conversations, think pieces, and thought experiments about being one’s best self in all things. It explores the wide gamut of the human experience, offering answers, solutions, and new perspectives about ordinary and extraordinary life experiences.”

    Read Also: Qing Madi named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for January 2025

    The Nation sought Spotify’s reaction to the claims by Rodney and after a few days, the streaming platform reacted saying the podcast was disabled due to incessant copyright infringement.

    The statement read, “Regarding your query on “The Young God,” the podcast was disabled due to three copyright strikes from the NMPA regarding music usage. Spotify provided takedown notifications and an appeal process to the creator via email. This reflects standard copyright compliance procedures. Our records show that to date, the creator has not made use of the appeal process communicated with them.”

    Reacting to the issue, Oluwatunmise Oladapo Kuku, the podcaster behind Mindfully With Tunmise said, “As a podcaster and a broadcaster for years, this action from Spotify tells me that mainstream media has gone private, and Spotify is leading that trend.”

    On his part, Hafeestonova Onitillo of The Chacha Music Podcast said, “I find this absolutely unfair and ridiculous. If the episodes had already been released and were later flagged for policy violations, that would be understandable. But shutting down an idea before it even sees the light of day? That’s a tough pill to swallow. They could have simply sent a notification or removed specific episodes after publication doing so beforehand and taking down the entire podcast shows a blatant disregard for African podcasters. This also raises serious security and privacy concerns. It’s like Google reading your draft emails before you send them. Completely unacceptable. Frankly, they should be sued for this. This is yet another reason I advocate for African podcasters to boycott Spotify. Ever since they took over, it’s been one issue after another. I’m glad I left the platform earlier this year. I saw the signs that things were heading in the wrong direction.”

    For Mo! Sybil of The More Sibyl Podcast, the conversation needed to be discussed. He said, “This conversation needs to happen, and it needs to be loud. You’re right: as long as we’re building our platforms on someone else’s land, we’re at their mercy. I initially thought this only affected published episodes, but unpublished ones too? That’s chilling. Erasing unpublished content, ideas not even actions, crosses into preemptive censorship. Every creative person, not just podcasters, should be alarmed.”

    In February 2019, Spotify acquired Anchor, a podcast creation and hosting platform, and subsequently integrated its tools with Spotify for Podcasters, offering creators a comprehensive platform for podcast creation, distribution, and monetization.  

  • Qing Madi named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for January 2025

    Qing Madi named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for January 2025

    Singer Qing Madi has been selected as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025. 

    This recognition comes after her previous feature on Spotify’s EQUAL playlist and her impressive ranking as one of the most-streamed female artists in Nigeria for 2024.

    Qing Madi’s music career is driven by her passion to touch lives through her work. 

    As a female artist in a male-dominated industry, Qing Madi has learned to work diligently to have her voice heard. 

    Her unique perspective and artistic approach set her apart, incorporating metaphors and layered meanings into her lyrics to evoke deeper emotions and perspectives in her listeners.

    On how she navigates this reality, Madi says she has learnt to work a hundred times harder than her male counterparts. 

    She added: “As a female artist, I’ve learned that you need to work a hundred times harder than your male counterparts to have your voice heard. 

    “My unique perspective is reflected in my artistry—I think differently, and I see the world in a way that shapes my writing and music. My lyrics often incorporate metaphors and layered meanings, allowing listeners to explore deeper emotions and perspectives through my songs.”

  • 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.

    Read Also: Wizkid honours late mother, releases new album ‘Morayo’

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

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 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 Nov. 22, features tasteful selection of artistes across genres.

    (NAN)

  • Ayra Starr hits 2 billion streams on Spotify

    Ayra Starr hits 2 billion streams on Spotify

    Afrobeat sensation Ayra Starr has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify. 

    This feat follows the success of her second album, “The Year I Turned 21,” which has garnered over 500 million streams on the platform.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Ayra Starr, Asake, Tems, Burna Boy, others nominated for 2024 MTV EMAs

    The album’s genre-bending sounds and introspective lyrics have contributed significantly to Ayra Starr’s streaming numbers.

    Ayra’s rise to fame began with her self-titled debut EP in 2019, quickly propelling her through the Nigerian music industry

  • Spotify unveils ‘Sound of Nigeria’ to celebrate 64th Independence 

    Spotify unveils ‘Sound of Nigeria’ to celebrate 64th Independence 

    Spotify, an online streaming platform, has unveiled a soundtrack,  “The Sound of Hope”, to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

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

    Okumu said, “Spotify’s soundtrack of independence celebrates Nigeria’s music, as Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Day.

    “Spotify is joining the festivities with “The Sounds of Nigeria” campaign. This campaign aims to honour the country’s rich musical heritage, which has long been a unifying force and a source of pride for Nigerians.

    “Nigerians have always had a deep love for music, and their resilient spirit shines through in the global success of Nigerian artistes.

    “Spotify is honoured to celebrate a nation that continues to make Africa proud, amplifying the sounds and stories that resonate far beyond its borders.”

    Okumu said starting from Sept. 29, to Oct. 3, music lovers would be able to discover music destinations celebrating Nigeria’s independence within the Afro and Afrobeats hubs on Spotify.

    She noted that this selection of destinations includes the “Good Old Naija Days”, “Naija New School”, “Naija No Dey Carry Last” and the “Sounds of Nigeria”.

    According to her, the Good Old Naija Days takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the classic hits that had defined Nigerian music over the years.

    “This destination features timeless songs from legendary artistes that have shaped the nation’s musical landscape.

    Read Also: Spotify celebrates 10th anniversary of Wizkid’s hit song ‘Ojuelegba’

    “Naija No Dey Carry Last celebrates the resilience and spirit of Nigerian music. This destination showcases the songs that have inspired and uplifted the nation, reminding us of the power of music to unite and persevere.

    “The Naija New School Naija spotlights the hottest new acts and cutting-edge sounds in Nigerian music, highlighting the artistes and tracks driving the industry forward.

    “The Sounds of Nigeria on the other hand celebrates the stories that shape our identity, highlighting the rich and diverse musical traditions of Nigeria,” she said.

    Okumu noted that to further enrich the campaign experience, Spotify was collaborating with renowned content creator and Disc Jockey, Justin UG, for a takeover of the Internet Famous Playlist.

    She said Justin UG, known for his creative content, love of Nigerian music and culture, would introduce a wider audience to new sounds and perspectives.

    She noted that in addition to the curated destinations and takeover, Spotify will also introduce two new playlists: “Naija Gospel Throwback” and “Nigerian Highlife”.

    “Naija Gospel Throwback celebrates the history of Nigerian gospel music with classic anthems, while Nigerian Highlife showcases the vibrant and upbeat genre with its infectious rhythms and catchy melodies.

    “Join us in celebrating Nigeria’s Independence Day with Spotify’s “The Sounds of Nigeria”.

    “Discover new music, connect with your favourite artistes through their sounds, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Nigerian music,” she said.

    (NAN)