Spotify Wrapped 2024: Asake is the most-streamed artist in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Yesterday, music streaming giant, Spotify unveiled the 2024 edition of its annual users’ listening report, Wrapped. Consequently, users took to social media to their personalised  2024 Wrapped experience each featuring their personalised playlist featuring music videos from their most-loved artists of the year.

Launched in 2021, Wrapped summarises the sound selection of listeners across the year and has often unveiled hidden gems in the music scene. Fans of Ayra Starr, Joeboy, Ladi Poe, Crayon, Magixx, and Bayanni are in for a special treat, as these artists shared special messages directly within the Wrapped experience!

For the fourth year running, the spotlight has fallen on Nigeria’s vibrant music scene as a global force to be reckoned with. YBNL star, Asake again leads the list as the most-streamed artist in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), specifically in  Nigeria, Gambia, and Benin. Asake has been a revelation in 2022.

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.

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 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.

The report also indicates that Burna Boy’s global impact is undeniable. He’s Nigeria’s most-exported artist and the only Nigerian in the UK’s Top 100. 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 artist 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.

See the full breakdown of the top Spotify Wrapped lists below:

Key learnings from Spotify Wrapped 2024

• Nigeria’s love for homegrown talent is clear, with a 146% increase in local music consumption over the past year.
• Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja are the top cities driving Nigeria’s music scene.
• Religion & Spirituality, Lifestyle & Health, Business & Technology, Arts & Entertainment, and Educational are the top-growing podcast categories.

Nigerian listeners are also tuning into a diverse podcast scene. Apostle Femi Lazarus leads the pack, followed by motivational shows like Success Addicted Podcast with the voice of Earl Nightingale; Napoleon Hill; Jim Rohn and many more.

The Honest Bunch Podcast, Apostle Joshua Selman and Cycasmotivation’s Podcast are also on the top list.

Speaking on the report, Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa said:

“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 artists are not just shaping culture at home but also making waves internationally.”