Afrobeats Boom Continues! Grows By 49% - Spotify
Afrobeats, the vibrant and rhythmic sound that originated in West Africa, has grown into a global phenomenon, with Nigerian artists leading the charge.
Data from Spotify’s 2024 Loud & Clear report showcases just how much the genre has expanded, both in Africa and internationally.
Massive Growth in Revenue for Nigerian Artists
In 2024, Nigerian artists earned a staggering $37.3 million in royalties from Spotify alone.
This represents more than double their earnings from 2023, which stood at $17.5 million, and a fivefold increase from 2022 figures.
These numbers highlight not only the soaring popularity of Afrobeats but also the increasing financial rewards for Nigerian musicians.
Afrobeats has grown 49% and made five times more than what it did in 2022. Photo: Courtesy
Nigeria: The Heart of African Music
Nigeria has firmly established itself as the epicenter of African music, boasting the most popular artists on the continent by far.
The demand for Nigerian music continues to surge, with global listeners spending over 1.1 million hours streaming Nigerian artists in 2024. Additionally, users have curated approximately 250 million playlists featuring Nigerian musicians, showcasing their widespread appeal.
Explosive Growth in International Markets
The global reach of Afrobeats is more evident than ever, with Nigerian music exports growing by 49% over the past three years.
According to Spotify’s Africa Managing Director, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Afrobeats was the fastest-growing genre in the world in 2024.
She pointed to growing traction in European markets such as France and the Netherlands and predicted that the UK and US would soon become major hubs for Nigerian music.
Unprecedented Rise in Domestic Consumption
While Nigerian music is making waves internationally, it is also experiencing explosive growth at home.
Over the last three years, local consumption has surged by an astonishing 782%, with a 206% year-over-year increase.
This trend underscores the deepening appreciation for homegrown sounds within Nigeria and the continent.
The Future of Afrobeats
With its infectious rhythms, captivating melodies, and widespread appeal, Afrobeats is poised to maintain its upward trajectory.
As streaming platforms like Spotify continue to invest in African talent, the genre’s influence will likely expand even further, cementing Nigeria’s position as a global music powerhouse.
The data from Spotify’s latest report paints a clear picture: Afrobeats is not just a passing trend but a cultural movement shaping the future of the global music industry.