Spotify has unveiled the first Global Impact List in Kenya, Nigeria and Nigeria, recognising the top tracks from these countries that have had the greatest global impact on Spotify during the first half of 2024.
The list highlights tracks that have received the highest number of plays from listeners outside the respective countries between January 1st and June 30th, 2024.
In Kenya, urban tone tracks dominate the music scene, especially among Gen Z. Other popular genres include Afro-fusion and R&B.
“Spotify’s Global Impact List shows the power of music streaming, and how local artists can use it to position themselves globally,” Spotify’s head of music, sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said. “We are committed to continuing the journey with Kenyan artists to help them make an even bigger impact.”
In Ghana, King Promise has emerged as a dominant force with several tracks on the list, reflecting his versatility and global reach.
His hit single “Paris” is Ghana’s number one international favorite, captivating listeners with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics.
His collaborations like “Favorite Story” with OliveTheboy and Sarkodie, and “Oh My Days” with Haile and Smallgod further cemented his status as a global music icon.
King Promise’s collaboration with Shallipopi on ‘Continental’ demonstrated his ability to incorporate Ghanaian sounds with diverse musical influences.
The list also highlighted the emergence of new talents, with OliveTheboy’s ‘Asylum’ and Lasmid’s ‘Puul’ featuring fresh voices making an impact on the global stage.
“The widespread popularity of these tracks showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of Ghanaian artists. At Spotify, we are proud to support and celebrate this remarkable journey and look forward to witnessing the ongoing global impact of Ghanaian music,” Okumu said.
In Nigeria, female artists such as Ayra Starr and Tems are making waves with hit songs from their recent album releases.
The list also highlights the popularity of international collaborations, with eight out of the top 10 tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.
These collaborations, ranging from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, showcase the cross-cultural appeal and increasing global influence of Nigerian music.
Okumu said: “Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions. Its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries is truly remarkable. At Spotify, we are thrilled to witness and support the continued evolution of this vibrant scene.”
Below are the songs with the most listenership outside Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria:
Kenya Music Global Impact List
- 1. Mr Tee, TONORBOY, prod.chacha – DIGII III TRAILER
- 2. Mr Tee, TENORBOY, prod.chacha – DIGII III TRAILER
- 3. NNAVY, Karun, Msaki, Hendrick Sam – Let Me
- 4. Blinky Bill, GoldLink – Compare
- 5. Jeff Kaale, soave lofi – honey mint
- 6. Nanku, Karun – Capital
- 7. Yammi, Lexsil,ZiiBeats – Love Crazy
- 8. Fully Focus, Sofiya Nzau – Mwanake
- 9. Jeff Kaale, ELEVEN – Euphorie
- 10. Bien, Fally Ipupa – Ma Cherie (Remix)
- 11. Mr Tee, sosatheprodigyy,o6ix_june – Digii ii
- 12. Blinky Bill – OH WAH (feat. NATURE)
- 13. Otile Brown, Rayvanny – Asante
- 14. The Playah, Restrained, Karun, State of Anarchy – State of Light
- 15. Jeff Kaale, soave lofi – Afternoon Cohiba
Ghana Music Global Impact List
- 1. King Promise – Paris
- 2. OliveTheboy – Asylum
- 3. Khaid, Gyakie – Run Away (Omalicha)
- 4. Black Sheriff – January 9th
- 5. Smallgod – Fallen Angel (feat. Black Sheriff)
- 6. Lasmid – Paul
- 7. 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE, Amaarae, Warren Hue – cOoL WATeR foR thE nIGHT
- 8. King Promise, Olivetheboy, Sarkodie – Favourite Story
- 9. Black Sherif – Shut Up
- 10. Black Sherif, Mabel – Zero
- 11. Gyakie – December
- 12. KJ Spio,Oxlade, Sarkodie – Undress You
- 13. Seyi Vibez, Stonebwoy – Malaika
- 14. KiDi – Danger
- 15. Stonebwoy – Ekelebe (feat. ODUMODUBLVCK)
- 16. Joe Mettle, Sandra Boakye-Duah – Give me Oil
- 17. Tea Eternity Ghana – Defe Defe
- 18. Smallgod, Haile, King Promise – Oh My Days
- 19. Tiwa Savage, Black Sheriff, Young Jonn – Kilimanjaro
- 20. King Promise – Continental (ft. Shallipopi)
- 21. King Paluta – Aseda
- 22. DopeNation – Jakpa
- 23. Shekhinah – Risk (ft. Moliy)
- 24. Black Sherif – Kilos Milos
- 25. Chop Daily, KOJO BLAK – Ready
- 26. Fameye, Patoranking – Sober (Soo Bad)
- 27. Valiant, GuiltyBeatz – Flava
- 28. Amaarae – Sweetest
- 29. Natebadtz, Popcaan – Warrior
- 30. McStainz – Inferno
Nigeria Music Global Impact List
- 1. Rauw Alexandro, Ayrra Star – Santa
- 2. Ayrra Star – Commas
- 3. Tems – Love Me Jeje
- 4. Luciano, Omah Lay – Another Vibe
- 5. 21 Savage, Burna Boy, Metro Booming – Just Like Me
- 6. Tyla, Tems – No. 1
- 7. Usher, Pheelz – Ruin
- 8. Rels B, Tempoe – Pretty Girl
- 9. TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy,S.N.E – Tshwala Bam Remix
- 10. Ayrra Star, Giveon – Last Heartbreak Song
- 11. Victony – Everything
- 12. Aya Nakamura, Ayrra Star – Hype
- 13. Tems, J. Cole – Free Fall
- 14. Usher, Burna Boy – Coming Home
- 15. Ayrra Star, Seyi Vibez – Bad Vibes
- 16. Kizz Daniel, Davido – Twe Twe
- 17. Kizz Daniel – Sooner
- 18. Ruger, Bnxn – Romeo Must Die
- 19. Chris Brown, Davido – Hmmm
- 20. CKay, Olamide – Wahala
- 21. Tems – Burning
- 22. Asake – Only Me
- 23. Skepta, Portable, Jae5 – Tony Montana
- 24. Ruger, Bnxn – POE
- 25. Asake, Central Cee – Wave
- 26. Kizz Daniel – Showa
- 27. Tems – Wickedest
- 28. Fireboy DML – Everyday
- 29. Joeboy – Osadebe
- 30. Moses Bliss, Festizi, Chizie,Neeja, S.O.N Music, Ajay Asika – You are Great
