Spotify, the global audio streaming leader, is commemorating five years of operations in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana — a landmark period that highlights the rapid growth of digital music consumption and the expanding influence of African artists on the world stage. The platform entered these markets on 23 February 2021 as part of a major global expansion into more than 80 new countries, giving listeners full access to Spotify’s catalog of millions of songs and podcasts for the first time in much of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Over the past half-decade, this expansion has unlocked new opportunities for creators and changed the way fans engage with audio entertainment across the continent.
Listening Trends and Local Engagement
In 2025, Nigerians alone spent more than 1.3 billion hours listening to music and podcasts on Spotify, up significantly from previous years, underscoring an ever-deepening connection between audiences and digital audio. Local music consumption jumped by 82 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, while daily streams grew by 23 percent, reflecting a surge in homegrown music discovery and repeat listening.
African genres, particularly Afrobeats, have also seen global momentum. Spotify reported that Afrobeats listeners grew by 22 percent globally in 2025, illustrating how sounds rooted in West Africa increasingly resonate outside the continent.
The platform’s annual Wrapped 2025 report shows that local audiences are not just consuming international hits but actively championing local and emerging acts. Artist discovery and fan engagement have broadened the sonic landscape, with younger acts notably rising alongside established stars.
Nigeria’s Streaming Landscape
In Nigeria, data from Spotify’s end-of-year reports underscores the diversity of tastes and the strength of local artists. While the top five most streamed songs over the broader anniversary period included tracks like “Remember” by Asake, “Dealer” by Ayo Maff and Fireboy DML, “Awolowo” by Fido, “Kese (Dance)” by Wizkid, and “Lonely at the Top” by Asake, the more recent 2025 Wrapped figures show fresh high-performance entries such as “With You” by Davido featuring Omah Lay, which dominated music share and streams across platforms.
Importantly, Nigerian artists also dominate export charts. Burna Boy, Tems, Rema, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid have become some of the most globally exported artists from the region, benefiting from Spotify’s international playlisting and algorithmic reach.
The platform also reveals strong gender representation: Nigerian singer Ayra Starr was ranked as the most-streamed female artist across Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya in Spotify’s 2024 data, demonstrating the cross-border appeal of female Afrobeats stars.
Podcasts, Genres, and Cultural Shifts
Spotify’s impact isn’t limited to music. Podcast listening has surged dramatically in recent years, with podcast streams in Nigeria increasing by hundreds of percentages over a short period, reflecting a broader appetite for spoken-word content and storytelling.
Genres beyond Afrobeats are also gaining traction. Gospel content has experienced notable increases, with digital platforms becoming significant avenues for faith-infused music and spiritual podcasts. Meanwhile, R&B and other global sounds have seen growing listenership across markets like Kenya and Ghana.
