Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has officially become the most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify, a milestone signaling a major shift in the Afrobeats streaming landscape.
According to recent data, Tems now boasts approximately 23.3 million monthly listeners, narrowly edging out longtime frontrunner Burna Boy, who currently sits at around 23.2 million.
What This Means for Tems and Afrobeats
- Global influence beyond features: Tems first gained wide international attention through collaborations — notably her breakout contributions to tracks like Essence (with Wizkid) and Wait for U (with Future and Drake).
- Rising solo success: The streaming numbers show that fans aren’t just listening to her features — they’re tuning in for her solo catalog, and often.
- Afrobeats’ growing global footprint: Her ascent reflects a broader trend: African artists are increasingly competing for global streaming dominance, and female voices in Afrobeats are earning their place on top.
Why This Shift Matters
This milestone has been described by industry watchers as a statement about the evolving dynamics of global music consumption.
Streaming platforms like Spotify have dismantled old gatekeepers, making it possible for artists anywhere to reach massive audiences. For Tems, the numbers represent both rising popularity and growing cultural influence.
For Afrobeats more broadly, Tems’ success challenges typical narratives — she’s not just another male star, but a powerful female voice claiming the top spot. That could open doors for new artists, especially women, to rise without needing international features or top-label backing first.
The Takeaway
Tems’ new status as Nigeria’s most-listened-to artist highlights two big changes: streaming is redefining global stardom, and Afrobeats — including its women — is joining the global mainstream in a major way.
