In recent years, Afrobeats has emerged as a global musical phenomenon, captivating audiences far beyond the shores of Africa. At the forefront of this internationalization is Spotify, the Swedish music giant that has played a pivotal role in propelling Afrobeats into the mainstream.
Nigerian music industry experts assert that Spotify’s impact on Afrobeats cannot be overstated, emphasizing how the streaming platform has become a significant bridge connecting African talent with a worldwide audience. Between 2017 and 2022, there was an astounding 550% growth in Afrobeats streams on Spotify, marking a meteoric rise for the genre.
In 2023, London, Paris, and Nairobi stood out as top cities globally streaming Afrobeats on the platform, solidifying the genre’s global appeal. Spotify’s strategic moves on the ground in Nigeria, such as hiring local staff, have been instrumental in contributing to the success and widespread recognition of Afrobeats.
Aoi Narita, a Japanese national and an investment manager at Kepple Africa Ventures, exemplifies the global reach of Afrobeats through Spotify. Having fallen in love with the genre while working in Kenya, Narita moved to Nigeria in 2022, citing the music as a significant influence on her decision. Her Spotify Wrapped for 2023 showcased that 98% of her music consumption was dedicated to Afrobeats, underscoring the genre’s magnetic pull.
The success story of Afrobeats on Spotify is not a stroke of luck but a result of the platform’s dedicated efforts in Nigeria. Ayomide Tayo, a Nigerian pop culture analyst, and consultant highlighted Spotify’s commitment to the genre, emphasizing the company’s tangible investments and supportive initiatives. Notably, revenue generated by Nigerian artists on Spotify alone exceeded $27 million in 2022, showcasing the platform’s financial contribution to the industry.
Spotify’s commitment goes beyond numbers; the company launched “Afrobeats: Journey of a Billion Streams” in June 2023, a dedicated website celebrating the genre’s influence and accomplishments. Moreover, Rema’s “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez entered Spotify’s Billions Club in September 2023, marking a historic milestone as the first African artist-led track to surpass a billion streams on the platform.
The streaming giant has also actively organized events in Africa, hosting workshops, album launches, and industry parties, demonstrating a commitment to the growth and sustainability of Afrobeats. Dapper Digital, a Lagos-based music distribution company, attests to Spotify’s unmatched impact, crediting its user-friendly interface and global reach for connecting artists with mature markets like the U.S. and Europe.
Despite Spotify’s undeniable influence, some industry experts acknowledge the groundwork laid by older streaming platforms before its arrival in Africa. Boomplay, a Chinese-owned platform, is recognized for playing a significant role in globalizing Afrobeats. However, Spotify’s ability to catch up and amplify the genre’s reach cannot be ignored.
While Spotify’s streaming numbers reflect the undeniable success of Afrobeats, some caution against viewing them as the sole metric of success. Jude Abaga, a rapper and former CEO of Chocolate City, notes the importance of context in interpreting these figures, recognizing that digital audiences may not fully represent an artist’s true fan base.
In the symphony of global music, Spotify has played a harmonious tune, transforming Afrobeats from a regional sound to a global sensation. As the platform continues to invest in African talent and celebrate the genre’s achievements, Afrobeats seems destined to maintain its rhythm on the world stage.
