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Rema & Burna Boy lead Spotify’s top exported artists for sub-Saharan Africa
A new generation of Nigerian artists is leading the global exportation of Nigerian music, taking traditional sounds and infusing them with contemporary beats.
These artists are not only making waves in Africa but are also breaking down international barriers and collaborating with global superstars. Spotify-wrapped data for 2023 reveals a 26% year-on-year increase in plays of African music outside the continent, highlighting the growing influence of African artists worldwide.
Nigerian artists dominated the charts of the most exported artists in sub-Saharan Africa, with Rema and Burna Boy leading the pack. Rema’s collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Calm Down,” became the first African-led single to hit a billion streams on Spotify. Burna Boy won the Top Afrobeats Artist award at the 2023 Billboard Awards. Other Nigerian artists like Tems, Ayra Starr, and Asake also made significant contributions to the global music scene.
Nine out of the top 10 most exported recordings in sub-Saharan Africa were Nigerian tunes, showcasing the dominance of Nigerian music on the international stage. The success of these artists reflects the global market for African music, and collaborations with international artists are fueling the continued growth of the industry.
African music is not just about chart-topping hits; it represents a rich tapestry of rhythms, melodies, and voices that reflect the continent’s diverse cultural heritage. Specific countries’ top exported tracks, such as Tyler ICU’s “Mnike” in South Africa and Lexsil and Otile Brown’s “Bounce” in Kenya, showcase the diversity and uniqueness of African musical expressions. The global success of African music is expected to continue as collaborations and cultural exchanges with international artists persist.