Undoubtedly, Nigerian music has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences in stadiums, clubs, and public spaces worldwide. Singers such as Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Asake, Tems, Tiwa Savage, and others have gained international acclaim for their work.
The country’s burgeoning music industry owes its success to factors like Nigeria’s large population and the availability of music streaming platforms such as Boomplay, iTunes, and Spotify. In 2023, data from a Data Reporter revealed that Nigeria’s population had reached 221.2 million, with 122.5 million internet users and an internet penetration rate of 55.4 percent. Furthermore, cellular mobile connections were active for 87.7 percent of the population, totaling 193.9 million connections.
These music streaming services have significantly facilitated Nigerian artists’ ability to reach global audiences, enhancing their chances of achieving success. The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Professor Umar Danbatta, highlighted how the Nigerian entertainment industry has gone global due to heavy reliance on digital platforms. Following the launch of Spotify, Nigerians created 1.3 million playlists within a year, showcasing the immense interest in music streaming and providing Nigerian musicians with an advantage over less populated countries.
The Nigerian music industry has emerged as a leading force in the international music scene, with significant impact in the UK, US, and other countries. This growth can be attributed to the achievements of popular Nigerian artists, who have won numerous awards and collaborated with international musicians.
For instance, Burna Boy made history on June 3rd, 2023, by selling out the 80,000-capacity London Stadium, becoming the first African artist to achieve this feat. Davido has accumulated over 1 billion streams on Spotify and is among the most streamed Nigerian artists on Apple Music. Tems, who won a Grammy award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, received further recognition for her contribution to Future’s ‘Wait For U’ alongside Drake. Wizkid, a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, continues to make Nigeria proud on the global music stage.
A public commentator, Remi Adebayo, emphasized that the success of Nigerian artists globally is due to the release of high-quality music that resonates with listeners. Additionally, the widespread internet access among Nigerians enables their music to trend globally on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, further expanding their reach and popularity.
In summary, Nigerian music has gained immense popularity worldwide, driven by talented artists, a large population, and the widespread availability of music streaming services. These factors have propelled Nigerian musicians to international acclaim, allowing them to make significant contributions to the global music industry.