FULL LIST: Rema, Burna Boy, Tems lead Spotify’s 2023 top exported artistes in sub-Saharan Africa

Rema, Burna Boy, and Tems dominated this year’s charts of most exported artistes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on Spotify.

On Wednesday, the streaming platform released data showing the SSA artistes who dominated charts outside of their home country in 2023.

“These musical trailblazers are taking traditional sounds and injecting them with contemporary beats, creating an irresistible fusion that’s captivating audiences worldwide,” a statement from Spotify reads in part.

“They aren’t just making waves within Africa; they’re breaking down barriers and teaming up with international superstars. It’s a cross-cultural dialogue that’s transcending borders and sparking a worldwide love affair with African music.

“Spotify Wrapped data for 2023 reveals the undeniable growing influence of African artists across the globe, with African music witnessing a 26% Year-on-Year increase in plays outside the continent.”

Rema led the pack of artistes that dominated the charts of most exported artistes in sub-Saharan Africa this year. The singer owns the first African-led single to hit a billion streams on Spotify, thanks to his ‘Calm Down’ collaboration with Selena Gomez. He is also the first Nigerian Afrobeats artiste to crack Spotify’s top 10 global chart of most-streamed artistes in 2023.

Burna Boy followed closely on the list while Tems is the most exported female artiste in SSA, coming in at number three overall.

Ayra Starr, another Nigerian sensational artiste, snagged the title of the most streamed female artiste in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda on Spotify in 2023. She also ranked number four on the top list of most exported artistes in SSA.

Asake is the most streamed artiste in Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo. He is also in the top ten of most exported artistes in SSA.

See the top 10 below:

• NG Rema
• NG Burna Boy
• NG Tems
• NG Ayra Starr
• NG Wizkid
• NG CKay
• NG Omah Lay
• NG Fireboy DML
• NG Asake
• NG Davido

Aside from the artistes, Nigerian music is also dominating the charts. Nine out of the top 10 most exported recordings in sub-Saharan Africa are Nigerian tunes!

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ and the remix version with Selena Gomez are both at the top, followed by Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’ and CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti (ah ah ah)’ – a song that is still going strong even after its 2021 release.

“It’s music that transcends differences and brings people together, moving them to dance, sing, and revel in the shared experience,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s head of music for SSA.

“African music is a force of creativity that’s breaking down barriers and weaving a global tapestry of unity. These artists, with their commitment to authenticity, diversity, and social awareness, are leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.”

In November, Spotify unveiled the 2023 edition of “Wrapped”, its annual recap of listeners’ musical choices.