Muyiwa Awoniyi, the manager of Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, has brought national attention to a stark revenue gap faced by Nigerian artists on global music streaming platforms. Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Awoniyi revealed that one million music streams from Nigeria generate a meager $300 for artists a fraction of what their counterparts earn in wealthier countries.
Awoniyi contrasted the Nigerian figures with those from Sweden, where one million streams can yield between $8,000 and $10,000. He explained that major streaming services like Spotify determine payouts based on the user’s location, with Nigeria’s low subscription fees (about N900 monthly) and weaker economy significantly reducing the value of each stream.
“A lot of people do not know this. Spotify treats things territorially. So if my IP is anchored to a region where one million streams is $300, I am cooked,” Awoniyi lamented.
The revelation has sparked widespread debate within Nigeria’s music industry, highlighting the financial challenges faced by local artists despite the global popularity of Afrobeats. Many industry watchers argue that the current system discourages investment in local talent and creativity, as artists struggle to earn a living from their own home market.
Awoniyi’s comments have renewed calls for better industry policies and more equitable streaming models that recognize the value of African music. As Nigerian artists continue to dominate international charts, the hope is that their earnings will one day reflect their global influence.
