LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a candid revelation that’s shaking the Nigerian music industry, Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager of Grammy-winning artist Tems, has spotlighted the stark disparity in streaming revenues for Nigerian artists. Speaking on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Awoniyi disclosed that a million streams in Nigeria yield a mere $300, compared to $8,000–$10,000 in countries like Sweden.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
Streaming Disparity: Nigerian artists earn approximately $300 for one million streams, while counterparts in developed countries earn up to $10,000 for the same number of streams.
Territorial Royalty Model: Streaming platforms like Spotify calculate royalties based on regional subscription rates, disadvantaging artists in countries with lower subscription fees.
Low Subscription Costs: In Nigeria, Spotify’s monthly subscription is around ₦900 (~$0.82), significantly lower than in many other markets.
Global Audience, Local Earnings: Despite Tems’ global reach, with millions of listeners worldwide, the majority of her streaming revenue doesn’t come from Nigeria.
Call for Industry Reform: Awoniyi’s insights have ignited discussions on the need for a more equitable streaming revenue model for Nigerian artists.
🎙️ The Full Story:
In the bustling heart of Nigeria’s music scene, a pressing issue has come to light. Muyiwa Awoniyi, the driving force behind Tems’ meteoric rise, has shed light on the financial challenges Nigerian artists face in the streaming era.
“Do you know how much a million streams is worth out of Nigeria? It’s $300,” Awoniyi stated, emphasizing the vast difference compared to earnings in countries like Sweden, where the same number of streams can fetch between $8,000 to $10,000.
This disparity stems from the territorial model used by streaming platforms, where royalties are calculated based on regional subscription rates. In Nigeria, where Spotify charges around ₦900 per month, artists find themselves at a significant disadvantage.
Despite Tems’ global success, with over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a strong presence in cities like London, Sydney, and Los Angeles, the revenue generated from Nigerian streams remains minimal.
Awoniyi’s revelations have sparked a broader conversation about the sustainability of the Nigerian music industry in the digital age. As Afrobeats continues to captivate global audiences, there’s a growing call for streaming platforms to reassess their royalty structures to ensure fair compensation for artists worldwide.
📺 Watch the Full Interview:
💬 Top Comments from X (Twitter):
@NaijaMusicLover: “This is eye-opening. Our artists deserve better compensation for their hard work.”
@AfrobeatsQueen: “Streaming platforms need to address this disparity. It’s not fair!”
@LagosVibes: “Support local artists by attending live shows and buying merchandise.”
@MusicIndustryInsider: “Time for a new model that ensures fair pay for artists globally.”
@TemsFanatic: “Proud of Tems and her team for speaking out on this issue.”
As the Nigerian music industry grapples with the challenges of the digital age, voices like Awoniyi’s are crucial in advocating for change. The disparity in streaming revenues underscores the need for a more equitable system that recognizes and rewards the talent and hard work of Nigerian artists.
Source: musically.com
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