Spotify, an online streaming platform, has rated Nigeria as the second country with the most musical streams after Pakistan.

Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, disclosed this during a media chat in Lagos on Thursday.

Okumu, who said Spotify carried out the study, added that Kenya ranked third.

She added that artistes including WizKid, Burna Boy, Tems and Mr Eazi ranked amongst the top five exported local artistes from Nigeria on Spotify.

She noted that Spotify’s presence in Nigeria had seen Nigerians go on a journey of discovery over the past years.

“Interesting facts and data gathered by Spotify reveal that the average number of artistes streamed per user locally has grown by 60 per cent,” explained the Spotify representative for sub-Saharan Africa. “And 20,935 songs were added to the Spotify platform by creators since market entry. This places Nigeria as the country with the second most streams after Pakistan, with Kenya ranking third.”

Data also revealed that of the top 10 exported songs from Nigeria, nine were collaborations between local and international hitmakers, disclosed Okumu, a proof that Nigerian music “is attracting worldwide attention and popularity.”

According to her, 30 per cent of the Nigerian Alte genre is being streamed in the United States, with a growth of more than 200 per cent over the past years.

She noted that over 40 per cent of the Afropop from Nigeria was streamed in the U.S., UK and France, stressing that the streaming app helps make it easier to discover new music and podcasts through a truly personalised experience.

Spotify has uncovered, managed and shared over 82 million tracks for listeners for free or through upgrading to Spotify Premium.

“Africa is one of the fastest-growing music markets in the world, and now, more than ever, African genres of music have become more popular and accepted globally. This comes as no surprise when you consider the region’s wealth of music genres and sounds,” Okomu stated.

“Last year, Spotify announced its expansion into Nigeria among more than 80 new international markets. 

(NAN)