Newly released data from Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, reveals that Nigerian artists have significantly dominated Spotify’s platform. Among the Nigerian artists on the list are rappers Olamide, Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez, Zlatan Ibile, and Ice Prince. Okpala noted that Nigeria’s prominent position in Africa’s hip-hop listenership landscape is not surprising and ranks second only to South Africa.
He referenced Spotify’s data, which highlights that Nigerian Gen Z individuals aged 18 to 24 make up a substantial portion of hip-hop listeners, accounting for 55% of total streams. Additionally, listeners aged 25 to 29 contributed 19% of the streams, while the age groups of 0 to 17 and 30 to 34 both held a nine percent share.
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The statement further indicates, “The spotlight falls on Olamide, Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez, Zlatan, and Ice Prince as the most streamed within the realm of Nigerian hip-hop. Nigeria’s patriotism in music is evident as the most streamed hip-hop artists are Nigerians, unlike regions such as Kenya and South Africa where international artist Drake takes the lead.”
The statement reads partly; “The spotlight falls on Olamide, Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez, Zlatan and Ice Prince as the most streamed within the realm of Nigerian Hip hop.
“Nigeria’s patriotism in music is evident as most streamed Hip hop artistes are Nigerians, unlike regions such as Kenya and South Africa where international hit-man, Drake, leads.
“Hip hop is one of the most popular music genres in the world and it continues to have an input in newer genres and music movements springing up in Nigeria and around the world.
“Its ability to evolve and stay relevant is a testament to its power as a form of artistic expression that resonates with listeners worldwide”.
It goes on to emphasize that hip-hop is one of the most popular music genres globally, and its ability to evolve and remain relevant is a testament to its power as an artistic expression that resonates with listeners worldwide.
Okpala also mentioned that Nigerian hip-hop gained popularity in the 1990s with artists like Modenine, Naeto C, Bouqui, Ruggedman, Gino, Eedris Abdulkareem, eLDee, Sasha P, Ikechukwu, and many more contributing to its growth during that era.
He added;“Nigerian Hip hop gained popularity in the 1990s with artistes such as Modenine, Naeto C, Bouqui, Ruggedman, Gino, Eedris Abdulkareem, eLDee, Sasha P, Ikechukwu and a whole lot more.
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“These artistes pioneered the sounds and culture of Hip hop that have influenced Nigerian tracks and has grown to gain substantial traction within the continent.
“It is interesting to see how Nigerian listeners who are Hip hop enthusiasts are contributing to the elevation of the Hip hop genre and the sounds that tapped influences from it. The Gen Z demographic is playing a significant role in this trend”.
