Easter Vibes: Nigeria’s gospel music streaming rises by 1228%

Spotify, a global streaming platform, says Nigeria’s podcast listenership and gospel music streams increased by 482 per cent and 1228 per cent, respectively, from 2022 to 2024.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying it was in celebration of Easter.
Ms Okumu said, “The growth in Gen Z’s engagement with gospel content on Spotify is a testament to its growing popularity. Spotify data reveals a significant rise in both podcast listenership and gospel music streams in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, podcast listenership has increased by 482 per cent and for gospel music streams, there is an increase of 1228 per cent. For Kenya, we have increase in podcast listenership at 69 per cent and on gospel music streams, we have an increase of 365 per cent.
“For podcast listenership in South Africa, we have an increase of 44 per cent and in Ghana, we have 85 per cent. And for gospel music streams in South Africa, we recorded 288 per cent increase while in Ghana, there is a 329 per cent increase.”
According to her, enthusiasm is further reflected in creating user-generated playlists.
She said this had Nigeria boasting over 140,000, South Africa surpassing 470,000, Kenya exceeding 70,000, and Ghana with more than 45,000 gospel playlists curated by Gen Z users.
Ms Okumu added, “Easter is upon us! This year, Spotify is creating a dedicated haven, an Easter gospel hub, ‘He is Risen’, for all those seeking connection, spiritual enrichment, and joyful celebration.
“It promises to be fun while also offering a spiritually ethereal experience for lovers of the Christian faith.
“The Spotify Easter ‘He is Risen’ hub is your one-stop shop for all things gospel. It is a treasure trove of playlists overflowing with lenten selections for quiet reflection, vibrant Christian and Gospel music from across Africa.”
She added, “Individuals can dive deeper with a selection of enriching podcasts of sermons, bible study sessions, daily devotions and prayers from inspiring preachers that will fuel your faith journey and keep your spirit strong.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Africa
African countries sign convention on disarmament, demobilisation of child soldiers
Mr Bourita said the convention stressed how Africa was demonstrating its ability to develop its own standards rather than continuing to import them.

States
Woman in court over alleged reckless driving
The prosecutor said the defendant recklessly drove a Ford Focus car with registration number LES 253 AG.

Agriculture
Kaduna community seeks urgent government action on schools, agriculture
The Bugau community has appealed to the government for urgent intervention regarding severe infrastructure shortages and a lack of agricultural support.

States
500 youths to attend Scout Council Camporee for leadership training
The Scout Association of Nigeria, Osun council, says 500 youths will participate in its 2026 Camporee aimed at grooming them to contribute meaningfully to national development.

NationWide
INEC seeks NOA collaboration for 2027 elections
INEC has sought stronger collaboration with the National Orientation Agency in Yobe to enhance citizen mobilisation and participation in the 2027 elections.

States
Sexagenarian, one other arraigned for allegedly giving false information in murder case
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.





