Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, reveals that one million music streams in Nigeria yield only $300, contrasting sharply with earnings in countries like Sweden, where the same number of streams can fetch between $8,000 to $10,000.
In a discussion on the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, Muyiwa Awoniyi, manager of Grammy-winning artist Tems, shed light on the financial challenges faced by Nigerian musicians in the streaming era.
He revealed that one million music streams in Nigeria generate approximately $300 in revenue for artists.
This figure starkly contrasts with earnings in countries like Sweden, where the same number of streams can yield between $8,000 to $10,000.
Awoniyi attributes this disparity to Nigeria’s low streaming subscription rates.
For instance, Spotify charges around ₦900 per month in Nigeria, significantly less than in many other markets.
He also highlighted the territorial model used in calculating streaming royalties, which bases payouts on the listener’s location.
This model places Nigerian artists at a disadvantage, as streams from regions with lower subscription fees result in reduced earnings.
“Spotify treats things territorially. So if my IP is anchored to a region where one million streams is $300, I am cooked,” Awoniyi explained.
This revelation underscores the need for systemic changes in the music industry’s revenue structures, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria.
As streaming becomes the dominant mode of music consumption, ensuring fair compensation for artists worldwide remains a pressing concern.
