Rema‘s “Calm Down” Tops Spotify’s Global Impact List as Nigerian Music Continues International surge
Lagos, Nigeria – [Date of Publication] – Nigerian music has once again demonstrated its formidable global reach, with Rema’s chart-topping hit “Calm Down” (featuring a sample from Sade Adu) leading Spotify’s newly released Global Impact List.The track has been recognized as the most exported Nigerian song in the first half of 2025, solidifying Rema’s position as a dominant force in the international music scene.
The report highlights the diverse landscape of Nigerian music exports, with afrobeats and contemporary sounds taking center stage. Notably, Lawrence Oyor’s gospel track “Favour” is the sole representative of its genre on the list, underscoring a growing global appreciation for music that resonates across genre boundaries and showcasing the breadth of Nigerian musical talent.
Emerging artists are also making important inroads,with Chella’s “My Darling” and Minz’s “NUMBER ONE” (a collaboration with Ivory Coast’s Himra) earning spots on the list. Himra’s inclusion is notably noteworthy following her acclaimed performance at the Les Flammes Awards earlier this year.Their presence signifies a promising future for Nigerian music, with new voices gaining international traction and global recognition.
Female artists are also asserting their influence, with Ayra Starr securing two entries – “All The Love” and “Gimme Dat” – and Teni’s “Money” also making a strong showing. These achievements highlight the continued boundary-pushing and vital contribution of women to the Nigerian music industry.
Meanwhile, established Afrobeats pioneers continue to command significant global attention. Davido leads the pack with an extraordinary nine entries on the list, followed by Burna Boy with five. their consistent chart presence and widespread appeal underscore their sustained global impact and cross-generational resonance.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, commented on the report: “This year’s Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music. We’re seeing both seasoned global talents and promising new artists making significant strides. It’s particularly exciting to observe Afrobeats not only dominating but continually evolving, capturing the attention of a global audience. Spotify is proud to be a part of this movement.”
The full list of the top 30 Nigerian songs with the biggest global streaming numbers in the first half of 2025 is as follows:
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