Spotify Ranks Nigerian Songs with Most Global Streams in 2025
Spotify has released its Global Impact List for the first half of 2025, showcasing the top 30 Nigerian songs—both solo tracks and collaborations—that have achieved significant international streaming success. This curated list focuses exclusively on streams generated outside of Nigeria, offering a clear picture of the nation’s growing musical influence across global audiences.
Rema Tops Global Chart with "Baby (Is It a Crime)"
Rema continues to lead the global Afrobeats movement. His track “Baby (Is It a Crime),” which features a sample from soul legend Sade Adu, secured the number one position on Spotify’s Global Impact List. The single, a standout from the anniversary release of his acclaimed HEIS album, further affirms Rema’s stature as one of Nigeria’s most prominent musical exports.
Lawrence Oyor Represents Gospel on a Global Scale
Among the top-ranked songs, “Favour” by gospel artiste Lawrence Oyor stands out as the only gospel track to appear on the list. This inclusion reflects the universal appeal of Nigerian gospel music and its ability to connect with listeners worldwide, even within a list dominated by Afrobeats and contemporary pop sounds.
Emerging Artistes Achieve Global Recognition
New voices are making notable breakthroughs on the international stage. Chella’s “My Darling” and Minz’s “NUMBER ONE” featuring Ivorian artiste Himra have earned spots on the list. Himra’s rising profile—bolstered by his performance at the 2025 Les Flammes Award—adds to the growing narrative of pan-African collaborations gaining traction abroad.
These inclusions highlight the increasing appetite for fresh, genre-blending sounds from Nigeria and signal a promising future for emerging artistes in the global music industry.
Female Artists Expand Their Global Reach
Female representation continues to strengthen. Ayra Starr appears twice with “All The Love” and “Gimme Dat,” while Teni’s high-energy track “Money” also secured a position. Their presence reflects the consistent impact of women in Nigerian music and their rising influence on international streaming platforms.
Veteran Artistes Maintain Global Dominance
Nigeria’s long-standing music icons remain influential. Davido leads with nine songs on the Global Impact List, showcasing his sustained relevance and global fan base. Burna Boy follows with five entries, reaffirming his enduring position as one of Afrobeats' foremost ambassadors. Their continued success demonstrates the genre’s broad, cross-generational reach.
Spotify Comments on the Global Expansion of Nigerian Music
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, stated:
“This year's Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music. We’re witnessing a blend of established global talents and promising new artistes pushing boundaries. It is especially exciting to see Afrobeats not only dominate but evolve, attracting global listeners in new and innovative ways. Spotify is proud to contribute to this ongoing movement.”
Top 30 Nigerian Songs with the Largest Global Streaming Numbers (H1 2025)
The full list includes chart-toppers from every corner of Nigeria’s music scene—Afrobeats, gospel, pop, and emerging fusion styles—demonstrating the country’s dynamic contribution to global music trends.
