Why Nigerians Are Angry with Spotify’s Top Five Afrobeats List
Spotify’s recently released list of the Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in 2025 has caused a storm across Nigeria and the global music scene. While Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr made the cut, one glaring omission has left fans furious — Davido, one of Afrobeats’ biggest global stars. Nigerians have taken to social media to express their disappointment, questioning the credibility of Spotify’s rankings and sparking heated debates about recognition in Afrobeats.
The Spotify 2025 Top 5 Afrobeats Artists
According to Spotify’s official data, the five most-streamed Afrobeats artists of 2025 are:
- Burna Boy
- Wizkid
- Rema
- Asake
- Ayra Starr
While all these names have had incredible years, many fans feel the absence of Davido — especially after the success of his “Timeless” album and his 2025 follow-up project "5IVE" — makes the list incomplete.
Why Nigerians Are Angry
1. Davido’s Global Influence – Davido has remained one of the most influential Afrobeats stars, selling out arenas and topping international charts. Leaving him out feels like an insult to his contributions.
2. Streaming Numbers – Many fans argue that Davido’s recent releases performed exceptionally on Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay, suggesting that Spotify’s data might not reflect the full story.
3. Cultural Impact – Davido’s music, collaborations, and philanthropy have made him a household name. His absence sparked claims that Spotify overlooked cultural relevance for streaming stats alone.
Reactions on Social Media
Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok have been buzzing with hashtags like #JusticeForDavido and #SpotifyBias. Some fans praised Burna Boy and Wizkid for consistently staying on top, while others called out the platform for allegedly ignoring Davido’s loyal fanbase.
What This Means for Afrobeats
The controversy highlights the growing power of streaming platforms in shaping the narrative of Afrobeats. Spotify’s influence means these lists matter — but the backlash also proves that fans hold a strong voice in defining who truly represents the culture.
Conclusion
While Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr deserved their spots, the exclusion of Davido shows the challenges of measuring success solely through one platform. Afrobeats is bigger than any chart, and in 2025, the debate over who runs the genre remains as heated as ever.
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