Music streaming platform, Spotify, has unveiled a new ranking of Nigerian songs that dominated global airwaves in the first half of 2025, spotlighting both established stars and emerging talents.
The list, tagged “Global Impact List, released on Monday” features 30 Nigerian tracks and collaborations with the most listens outside Nigeria between January and June 2025.
According to Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, the list reflects the diversity, reach and cultural dominance of Nigerian music across continents.
She said, “This year’s Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music. We’re seeing both seasoned global talents and promising new artists making significant strides.”
Rema topped the chart with his hit song “Baby (Is It a Crime)” which samples legendary soul icon Sade Adu. The track emerged as the most exported Nigerian song globally so far this year, strengthening Rema’s international acclaim following his album HEIS.
In an unexpected twist, gospel singer Lawrence Oyor’s track “Favour” also appeared on the list, making it the only gospel song to achieve such international reach among predominantly Afrobeats tunes.
Other rising stars making their debut on the list include Chella with “My Darling” and Minz’s “NUMBER ONE” featuring Himra from Ivory Coast. Himra recently gained attention after a standout performance at the 2025 Les Flammes Awards.
Ayra Starr and Teni also made strong impressions. Starr secured two spots with “All The Love” and “Gimme Dat,” while Teni’s “Money” held its own among the top-charting songs.
Veteran superstars Davido and Burna Boy continued their dominance. Davido led the pack with nine songs on the list, while Burna Boy followed closely with five.
Spotify said the growing recognition of Nigerian music underscores how far the country’s sound has travelled.
The platform said it remains committed to showcasing African talent and noted that Nigerian music has moved beyond borders to influence global sound.
Below is the full list of the top 30 Nigerian songs with the highest global streaming numbers in H1 2025.
- Rema – Baby (Is it a Crime)
- Shallipopi – Laho
- Davido & Omah Lay – With You
- Chella – My Darling
- Burna Boy & Travis Scott – TaTaTa
- Frenna & Shallipopi – ZAAZAA
- 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
