Burna Boy has once again solidified his status as the undisputed leader of Afrobeats on the global stage, heading Spotify’s 2025 list of the most-exported Nigerian artists. The ranking, released as part of the streaming platform’s annual Wrapped report, underscores the continued, explosive international expansion of Nigerian music and the enduring cultural influence of its top stars.
The term “most-exported” specifically refers to the Nigerian music streamed by listeners outside of Nigeria, making this metric the clearest indicator of an artist’s true global reach and penetration into diverse international markets, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Burna Boy’s repeated dominance in this category reflects his tireless efforts in touring, cross-cultural collaborations, and crafting music that effortlessly transcends linguistic and continental boundaries.
The Global Afrobeats Hierarchy
The 2025 ranking, while confirming Burna Boy at the pinnacle, also highlights the collective strength of Nigerian music, with familiar names driving the global perception of the genre:
Burna Boy: Ranked first, maintaining his position as the most consistently streamed Nigerian artist worldwide.
Tems: Her unique atmospheric soul and vocal depth continue to resonate powerfully with international audiences.
Rema: Driven largely by the phenomenal success of his collaborations, notably “Calm Down.”
Ayra Starr: Represents the new generation, showcasing the melodic and pop-leaning evolution of Afrobeats.
Wizkid: The veteran star remains a global staple, sustaining his appeal through consistent catalog strength and new releases.
The list confirms that a select group of Nigerian talents is effectively shaping the soundscape of contemporary global pop. Though their styles are diverse—ranging from Rema’s melodic pop-leanings to Tems’s soulful delivery—their common thread is their massive international pull, largely facilitated by streaming services like Spotify.
The Phenomenon of Rema’s “Calm Down”
Adding context to the international success, Rema’s blockbuster collaboration “Calm Down” (featuring Selena Gomez) cemented its place in music history by remaining the most-exported Nigerian song for the third consecutive year. This extraordinary staying power, long after its chart peaks, is a rare phenomenon in the volatile streaming era.
The longevity of “Calm Down” is a powerful testament to two things: the enduring quality and durability of Rema’s unique sound, and the degree to which Nigerian rhythms have become intrinsically woven into mainstream pop structures across multiple continents.
Nigeria’s Thriving Digital Audio Ecosystem
Beyond the artist rankings, Spotify’s 2025 data paints a picture of a population deeply immersed in digital audio culture:
Local Consumption Surge: Local music consumption in Nigeria rose by 82% over the past year, reflecting a strong national pride and enthusiasm for homegrown talent.
Global Genre Growth: Afrobeats listening increased by 22% globally, further evidence of the genre’s expanding footprint beyond its traditional diasporic circles.
Podcast Revolution: Podcast listening surged by 97%, with creation growing by 48%. Interestingly, much of this activity was grounded in spiritual and faith-led content, highlighting how Nigerians are engaging with digital audio not just for entertainment, but as a source of community and guidance.
Youth Influence: Spotify introduced a new metric, the “Listening Age,” finding that Nigeria’s average listener is just 25 years old—a demographic that is actively setting and shaping global musical trends.
In summary, the 2025 Spotify Wrapped report underscores that Nigeria is experiencing a flourishing musical moment. The dominance of artists like Burna Boy on the global export list ensures that the Nigerian sound is not a fleeting trend but a foundational element of the global music scene, with its economic and cultural impact continuing to rise exponentially
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