In a major milestone for Nigeria’s gospel music scene, Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo are making headlines far beyond the church pews. The two powerhouse voices have officially entered YouTube Music’s list of the most-streamed Nigerian artists for the first quarter of 2025 — a testament to their growing global reach.
According to newly released figures from Debut Hub, Bassey racked up an impressive 52.8 million streams, while Chinwo wasn’t far behind with 46.4 million. Their emotionally stirring music continues to uplift and inspire, resonating deeply with fans not just in Nigeria, but around the world.
Mercy Chinwo’s signature hit, “Excess Love,” remains her crown jewel, pulling in a whopping 133 million plays. The song, known for its heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery, has become a global anthem in worship spaces and playlists alike.
Nathaniel Bassey’s tracks are equally impactful. His spiritually rich single “TOBECHUKWU,” featuring Chinwo herself, has garnered 39 million streams, while other hits like “Jesus Iye” and “Yahweh Sabaoth” have clocked in at 32 million and 25 million plays respectively. These numbers show that gospel music is no longer confined to Sunday mornings — it's now a powerful cultural export.
While gospel artists are making their mark, Rema continues to reign supreme in the Afrobeat space. He topped the Q1 2025 chart with a staggering 223 million streams, proving once again that his crossover appeal is no fluke.
Fueling his dominance is the continued success of his global hit “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez, which has now surpassed a jaw-dropping 2.5 billion views on YouTube Music. Rema’s fusion of Afrobeat, trap, and pop — paired with his storytelling flair — keeps him in heavy rotation across continents.
Full List: Most-Streamed Nigerian Artists on YouTube Music (Q1 2025)
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Rema – 223M
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Burna Boy – 171M
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Ayra Starr – 169M
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Davido – 113M
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Wizkid – 102M
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Omah Lay – 96.7M
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Kizz Daniel – 67.9M
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Ruger – 65.7M
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CKay – 64.6M
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Asake – 63.4M
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Tems – 60.4M
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Fireboy DML – 59.1M
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Nathaniel Bassey – 52.8M
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Oxlade – 52.4M
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Tekno – 50.8M
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Mercy Chinwo – 46.4M
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Tiwa Savage – 45.3M
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Victony – 42.5M
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Moses Bliss – 41.5M
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BNXN – 41M
While Afrobeat continues to dominate international charts, the rise of Nigerian gospel artists like Bassey and Chinwo in global rankings points to a broader cultural shift. Audiences are craving music that not only entertains but also uplifts — and Nigerian gospel delivers on both fronts.
Dr. Ifeoma Eze, a Lagos-based gospel music promoter, summed it up perfectly: “The world is hungry for hope, and these artists are meeting that need through powerful, spirit-filled songs that transcend borders.”
With the world turning its ears toward Nigeria, gospel artists are poised for even greater global visibility. Platforms like YouTube Music have become more than just streaming services — they’re launchpads for cultural influence. The success of Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo proves that gospel music can not only coexist with Afrobeat but flourish alongside it on a global stage.
As we move through 2025, all eyes — and ears — will be on how Nigeria continues to export its rich musical tapestry to the world.