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Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, has revealed the shockingly low earnings Nigerian artists make from local streams, just $300 for a million plays, highlighting how geography and economy affect streaming revenue.
  • Nigerian artists earn ~$300 for 1 million streams, compared to $8,000–$10,000 in countries like Sweden.
  • Spotify and other platforms calculate revenue based on region-specific rates.
  • Low subscription fees (₦900) and a weak economy lower earnings for Nigerian-based streams.
  • Artists are advised to grow fan bases abroad to increase revenue potential.
  • Burna Boy recently echoed similar advice about targeting global markets.
Behind the global success of Nigerian music lies a frustrating truth: homegrown streams barely pay the bills. Tems’ manager puts it plainly: Geography can cost you thousands. Despite topping charts, Nigerian artists face a digital economy that values their work far less than Western counterparts. It’s not about talent, it’s about location, pricing models, and the harsh realities of economic inequality.

The message is clear: local love is priceless, but international streams pay the rent. Could this push more Nigerian artists to shift their focus abroad?