Nigeria’s music scene isn’t just booming; it’s thriving with homegrown loyalty. A recent industry report confirmed what many in the industry already suspected: Nigerian listeners stream local music more than any other country in the Middle East and Africa. According to Luminate’s 2025 mid-year music consumption data, an incredible 61.3 % of all on-demand streams in Nigeria go to Nigerian artists, the highest local share in the entire region.
That 61 % figure isn’t just a statistic, it’s a reflection of how deeply fans in Nigeria engage with their own music. From Afrobeats and Street Pop to Alte, Fuji, and Amapiano-influenced sounds, Nigerian listeners are choosing local artists over international stars at an extraordinary rate.
This level of local support is rare in global markets and it speaks to the emotional connection between Nigerian artists and their audiences. Whether it’s Burna Boy commanding stadiums around the world, or emerging stars like Odumodublvck and Ayra Starr dominating playlists, the music resonates with listeners at home in a way few other countries can match.
This isn’t limited to audio streaming. On platforms like Spotify, Nigerian users are creating millions of local playlists, a sign that listeners aren’t just passive consumers; they’re building the culture around Nigerian music.
Despite this massive streaming support, financial returns remain a challenge. Industry analysts point out that even millions of streams in Nigeria generate relatively modest payouts compared to global markets.
This highlights a broader issue in Africa’s music economy: popularity doesn’t always equal profit. Many Nigerian artists still face hurdles when it comes to converting streaming success into sustainable earnings at home.
While local support is huge, Nigerian music also continues to make waves internationally. Artists like Rema, Wizkid, Tems, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr regularly feature on global charts and playlists proving that the world is listening, too.
Nigeria’s streaming landscape shows a powerful truth: local music loyalty can become a pillar of cultural and economic growth. When fans support artists consistently, it fuels creativity, strengthens industry infrastructure, and encourages more talent to emerge.