In a revealing discussion on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager to Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems, shed light on the significant disparities in music streaming revenues between Nigeria and more affluent countries.
Awoniyi disclosed that while one million streams in Nigeria yield approximately $300, the same number of streams in countries like Sweden can generate between $8,000 and $10,000. He attributed this gap to factors such as lower subscription fees in Nigeria and the country’s economic challenges.
“It’s N900 to subscribe to Spotify in Nigeria,” he noted, emphasizing how regional pricing affects revenue.
This disparity underscores the challenges Nigerian artists face in monetizing their music domestically. Despite the global popularity of Afrobeats, local streaming revenues remain modest. For instance, while Wizkid and Tems’ hit “Essence” has earned over $1 million in streaming royalties globally, such success stories are exceptions rather than the norm .
The broader Nigerian music industry has seen growth, with Spotify reporting that Nigerian artists earned over N25 billion in streaming royalties in 2023, a significant increase from previous years . However, the majority of this revenue comes from international listeners, highlighting the importance for artists to expand their global reach.
Artists like Burna Boy have echoed similar sentiments, advising peers not to rely solely on local streaming revenues but to cultivate international audiences. Live performances, tours, and brand endorsements are increasingly seen as vital income streams for Nigerian musicians.
As the global music landscape evolves, the Nigerian music industry faces the challenge of ensuring that its artists can sustainably benefit from their work, both at home and abroad.
