In a powerful testament to the growing influence of Nigerian music on the global stage, Spotify has unveiled its Global Impact List for the first half of 2025, spotlighting the top 30 most exported Nigerian tracks with the highest listenership outside the country. Leading the charge is Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, whose chart-topping single “Baby (Is It a Crime)” takes the coveted number one spot.
The song, which samples iconic British-Nigerian soul singer Sade Adu, comes just as Rema celebrated the one-year anniversary of his genre-blending album HEIS. The track’s global success is more than a chart-topping achievement, it is a cultural moment, signaling Rema’s enduring star power and his ability to bridge generations through sound.
“This year’s Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re seeing both seasoned global talents and promising new artists making significant strides.”
While Afrobeats remains the dominant force on the list, the inclusion of a gospel track “Favour” by Lawrence Oyor, proves that the global appetite for Nigerian music is expanding across genres. Oyor’s success stands out as a unique entry in a space typically ruled by pop, rap, and dancehall fusion, illustrating that spiritual and inspirational music also has a place in the international conversation.
The rising diversity in sound speaks to a broader shift in global music tastes, where authenticity and emotional resonance matter just as much as rhythm and production.
In an industry that constantly evolves, emerging voices are no longer waiting in the wings. Two notable entries include Chella with “My Darling” and the collaborative track “Number One” by Minz and Himra, a breakout Ivorian star whose performance at this year’s Les Flammes Awards drew massive attention.
Their inclusion in the top 30 sends a clear message: the next wave of Nigerian music is already making international noise, and the world is listening.
The list also highlights the growing global clout of Nigerian female artists, a trend that’s been steadily building momentum. Ayra Starr and Teni are among the few female acts to make the list; Ayra with “All The Love” and “Gimme Dat” (a collaboration with Wizkid), and Teni with her hit single “Money.” Their placements underscore the expanding space women are carving out for themselves in what has traditionally been a male-dominated genre.
Their success is not just about visibility, it’s about setting new standards for artistry and performance on a global scale. Even as new voices emerge, Afrobeats’ pioneering acts continue to prove they are far from finished. Davido dominates the list with an astounding nine entries, followed by Burna Boy with five. From international collaborations with Chris Brown, Victoria Monét, and Travis Scott, to solo efforts like “Be There Still” and “Sweet Love,” Davido’s consistency reaffirms his status as a cultural ambassador.
Burna Boy’s multifaceted presence, including his track “Update” and cross-continental collaborations like “WE PRAY” with Coldplay and TWICE, shows a genre and an artist unafraid to push boundaries.
“It’s particularly exciting to observe Afrobeats not only dominating but continually evolving, capturing the attention of a global audience. Spotify is proud to be a part of this movement.” The Spotify Global Impact List doesn’t just reflect streaming numbers; it reflects a cultural shift.
Whether it’s the spiritual cadence of Lawrence Oyor, the melodic vulnerability of Ayra Starr, or the electrifying stage presence of Rema, the artists featured are not just entertainers, they are storytellers, trendsetters, and global icons.
Top 5 Tracks on the Global Impact List
- Rema – Baby (Is It a Crime)
- Shallipopi – Laho
- Davido, Omah Lay – With You
- Chella – My Darling
- Burna Boy, Travis Scott – TaTaTa
- Frenna & Shallipopi – ZAAZA
- Coldplay, TWICE, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI & Little Simz – WE PRAY (TWICE Version)
- Burna Boy – Update
- Burna Boy & Shallipopi – Laho II
- Davido – Be There Still
- Ayra Starr & Wizkid – Gimme Dat
- Davido & Victoria Monét – Offa Me
- Davido & Chris Brown – Titanium
- Rema – Bout U
- ODUMODUBLVCK & Victony – PITY THIS BOY
- Ayra Starr – All The Love
- Lawrence Oyor – Favour
- Black Sherif & Fireboy DML – So it Goes
- Asake – WHY LOVE
- Beéle & Thisizlondon – si mañana me muero
- Adekunle Gold – Obimo
- Davido, Tayc & Dadju – Lover Boy
- Davido, Shenseea & 450 – R&B
- Burna Boy – Sweet Love
- Tobias Rahim & Kabusa Oriental Choir – Regntid
- Teni – Money
- Davido – 10 Kilo
- Himra & Minz – NUMBER ONE
- Davido, Victony & Musa Keys – Holy Water
- Davido – Anything
