Nigeria’s women are racking up historic numbers on Spotify, with Tems out front and a new wave close behind. A fresh tally of cumulative Spotify plays across all credits (lead and featured roles) shows Tems clearing 3.87 billion streams, while Gen-Z powerhouse Ayra Starr races in second with 2.89 billion.
Top 10 — Nigerian female artists by Spotify streams (all credits)
1. Tems — 3.87B
2. Ayra Starr — 2.89B
3. Tiwa Savage — 751M
4. FAVE — 400M
5. Yemi Alade — 348M
6. Simi — 288M
7. Teni — 241M
8. Mercy Chinwo — 194M
9. Qing Madi — 188M
10. Așa — 158M
Why it matters:
• Global lift: Tems’ blend of solo hits and blockbuster features has turned her into a streaming era bellwether for Nigerian music’s reach.
• The youth charge: Ayra Starr’s near-3B haul underscores how quickly the new school converts viral momentum into sustained listening.
• Range of genres: From Afropop mainstays (Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Simi, Teni) to gospel star Mercy Chinwo and alt-soul icon Așa, the list spotlights Nigeria’s stylistic breadth.
• Breakout energy: Rising teen sensation Qing Madi’s numbers signal a pipeline of fresh voices scaling up fast, while FAVE’s “Baby Riddim” era continues to pay long-tail dividends.
Figures reflect cumulative Spotify streams across all credited roles and are rounded as provided.
