Grammy-winning singer Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, has been crowned the biggest Nigerian artist of all time on Apple Music.
To mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, the streaming giant recently revealed the top ten most streamed Nigerian artists and songs in the platform’s history.
Burna Boy led the pack, followed closely by Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Asake. The top ten is rounded out by Tems, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, BNXN, and Olamide.
Rema’s remix of ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez has become the most streamed Nigerian song of all time on Apple Music, with Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ and Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ featuring Tems following closely behind. Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ sits at number four, while Burna Boy’s ‘Ye’ takes the fifth spot. Rounding out the list are ‘Location’ by Dave and Burna Boy, ‘Calm Down’ by Rema, ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr, ‘On The Low’ by Burna Boy, and ‘Come Closer’ by Wizkid featuring Drake.
The platform also celebrated Nigeria’s rich diversity by highlighting nine Afrobeats stars: 2Baba from Jos, Omah Lay from Port Harcourt, Odumodublvck from Abuja, Shallipopi from Benin City, Seyi Vibez from Lagos, Jeriq from Enugu, Bloody Civilian from Abuja, and Qing Madi from Benin City.
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- Calm Down – Rema & Selena Gomez
- Last Last – Burna Boy
- Essence – Wizkid feat. Tems
- Free Mind – Tems
- Ye – Burna Boy
- Location – Dave feat. Burna Boy
- Calm Down – Rema
- Rush – Ayra Starr
- On the Low – Burna Boy
- Come Closer – Wizkid feat. Drake
Apple Music’s acknowledgement of these musicians demonstrates the significant influence of Nigerian music on global music trends. From Burna Boy‘s introspective lyrics to Rema’s youthful exuberance, Wizkid’s seamless blend of Afrobeats with mainstream sounds, Tems’ emotionally powerful voice and performance, and Ayra Starr’s charismatic stage presence—these artists represent the progression of Afrobeats into a worldwide phenomenon.
This thoughtfully compiled selection by Apple Music showcases popular Nigerian songs and tracks that have propelled African music onto the international stage.