Nigerian music isn’t just a local force anymore, it’s a global takeover. Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List shows just how far Nigerian music and artists have come, with Ayra Starr leading the way. This list celebrates the 30 Nigerian songs that have connected most powerfully with international audiences this year, highlighting the country’s ever-growing influence on the world stage.
Ayra Starr: Nigeria’s Global Hitmaker
Ayra Starr, the “Sabi Girl,” is a chart-topping force reshaping the global music scene. Her catchy hits consistently top Nigerian charts, and her influence resonates worldwide, turning her music into international anthems. This makes her a leading voice in the exciting evolution of global music, transforming the soundscape one hit at a time.
This influence is clearly evident in her chart dominance. As a Spotify RADAR and EQUAL alumna and Nigeria’s most-streamed female artist on the platform in 2024, Ayra Starr’s artistry and strategic approach to global music are undeniable. While only two of her own tracks, Last Heartbreak Song and Bad Vibes appear on the Spotify Global Impact List, her collaborative power is evident with the chart-topping success of Santa. This track, featuring her alongside producer Rvssian and Latin artist Rauw Alejandro, showcases Ayra’s ability to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach through strategic partnerships across different markets. Her impressive showing on the list, with six entries including Commas, GOOD FEELiNGS and Hypé underscores her versatility and appeal.
Her album, The Year I Turned 21, also cemented her global reach, ranking among the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year. Santa’s undeniable popularity speaks volumes about her global appeal and influence.
The Power of Collaboration
The global reach of Nigerian music is significantly amplified by the power of collaboration. The Global Impact List underscores this crucial role, revealing that 22 of the 30 listed songs are collaborations. This demonstrates that such partnerships are not merely a trend, but a necessity for Nigerian artists seeking international success. While three of these collaborations feature fellow Nigerian artists, 19 involve partnerships with artists from other countries, highlighting how cross-continental collaborations drive global recognition. Top hits like Santa, WE PRAY (TINI Version), and Another Vibe perfectly illustrate this collaborative power.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, notes, “Nigerian artists are breaking boundaries and the world is listening. Nigerian music has always been rich and diverse, and at Spotify, we’re proud to amplify these talents globally.”
Explore the vibrant cross-cultural sounds of Spotify’s Gone Abroad playlist that showcases exciting collaborations between international artists and the best of Nigerian and African talent.
