Nigerian musicians whose albums have received over 500 million Spotify plays

Nigerian Music Titans: Leading the Streaming Charge with Multiple 500 Million Stream Albums

The Nigerian music industry continues to grow exponentially, with its top artists achieving remarkable global milestones. Among these achievements is surpassing 500 million streams on Spotify for multiple albums, a testament to their consistency, creativity, and widespread appeal. Below is a closer look at the Nigerian artists who have crossed this impressive mark:

Burna Boy – 3 Albums Surpassing 500 Million Streams

Burna Boy, often regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Afrobeats’ global expansion, leads the list with three albums exceeding the 500-million-stream milestone.

1. Love, Damini
   Burna Boy’s 2022 album Love, Damini blends Afrobeats with pop, reggae, and R&B, featuring hits like Last Last and For My Hand (featuring Ed Sheeran). The album was both a commercial success and a critical darling, cementing his status as an international superstar.
2. African Giant
   This iconic 2019 project, which earned Burna Boy his first Grammy nomination, includes fan favorites such as Anybody, On The Low, and Ye. The album played a significant role in popularizing Afrobeats on the global stage.
3. I Told Them
   Burna Boy’s 2023 album I Told Them showcases his versatility by blending elements of hip-hop, Afrobeats, and reggae. It features tracks like City Boys and Cheat On Me (featuring Dave) that quickly became fan favorites and contributed to its massive streaming success.

Ayra Starr – 2 Albums Surpassing 500 Million Streams

Ayra Starr, a young rising star in the Nigerian music scene, has carved a niche for herself with her unique voice and vibrant energy. She is the first female Nigerian artist to achieve this feat with two albums surpassing 500 million streams.

1. The Year I Turned 21
   This 2024 album marked Ayra Starr’s growth as an artist, offering a blend of Afropop, R&B, and soul. With songs like Sability and Rhythm & Blues, she captivated audiences worldwide.
2. 19 & Dangerous
   Ayra’s debut album, released in 2021, showcased her immense potential with hits like Bloody Samaritan and Fashion Killer. It was pivotal in establishing her as one of Nigeria’s brightest young stars.

Asake – 2 Albums Surpassing 500 Million Streams

Asake, known for his fusion of street-hop, Fuji, and Afrobeats, has quickly become one of Nigeria’s most successful artists, with two albums crossing the 500-million-stream threshold.

1. Mr. Money With The Vibe
   Asake’s debut album, released in 2022, took the world by storm with chart-topping tracks such as Sungba (Remix featuring Burna Boy) and Organize. The project showcased his unique sound and lyrical prowess.
2. Work of Art
   His sophomore album Work of Art, released in 2024, solidified his position in the industry. Tracks like 2:30 and Lonely at the Top became instant hits, helping the album gain massive traction on streaming platforms.

Conclusion

These achievements highlight the remarkable talent and hard work of Nigerian artists, who continue to break boundaries and set new records on the global music stage. Their ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary genres has led to widespread acclaim and massive streaming numbers.

As Afrobeats continues to dominate international charts, artists like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Asake are leading the charge, proving that Nigerian music is here to stay.