Nigerian rappers Olamide, Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez, Zlatan Ibile, and Ice Prince have been recognized as the most streamed Nigerian Hip-Hop artists on Spotify. Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artiste and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, made this announcement in a statement released on Friday, September 1.
He noted that it’s no surprise that Nigeria holds a significant position in Africa’s Hip-Hop music scene, securing the second spot after South Africa. Okpala emphasized Nigeria’s musical patriotism, highlighting that the most streamed Hip-Hop artists in the country are Nigerians, unlike regions like Kenya and South Africa where international artist Drake leads the charts.
Hip-Hop remains one of the world’s most popular music genres and continues to influence new musical movements both in Nigeria and globally. Okpala praised its ability to evolve and stay relevant, showcasing its power as an artistic expression that resonates with listeners worldwide.
According to Spotify’s data, Nigerian Gen Z individuals aged 18 to 24 make up 55 percent of Hip-Hop listeners, followed by those aged 25 to 29 at 19 percent. The age brackets of 0 to 17 and 30 to 34 each hold a nine percent share.
Okpala also acknowledged the pioneers of Nigerian Hip-Hop from the 1990s, including artists like Modenine, Naeto C, Bouqui, Ruggedman, Gino, Eedris Abdulkareem, eLDee, Sasha P, Ikechukwu, and others who shaped the sounds and culture of Hip-Hop in Nigeria, influencing tracks and gaining traction across the continent.