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(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

Burna Boy Tops 2022 African Streams on Both Spotify & Apple Music

The Nigerian star dominated African streaming lists across both platforms.

On Wednesday, November 30th, Spotify announced its 2022 Wrapped campaign and personalized user experience. In line with that, the music streaming powerhouse also revealed the top songs, albums, and podcasts that dominated the playlists of its 456M listeners around the world.

With the rise of Afrobeats and Amapiano this year, also came the domination of some of Africa’s leading artists and based on the numbers that Spotify put out, Burna Boy was leading the pack. The African Giant dominated the list as The Top African Artist Streamed Globally, Top African Artist on Spotify, and Top Songs Streamed Across Africa ("Last Last").

Spotify's Top Breakout Artist in Africa this year was Asake and the Top African Songs Streamed Globally was the ever-present "Love Nwatiti" by Ckay.

Apple Music also released a list of the top songs and albums for 2022, and again, Burna Boy topped the list. The release of his sixth studio album Love, Damini generated massive critical acclaim and the leading single “Last Last” quickly a global anthem.

According to Apple’s analytics, the album was the most streamed on Apple Music Nigeria, Apple Music Ghana and Apple Music Kenya in 2022. It is also the third most streamed album on Apple Music South Africa in 2022.

According to Phiona Okumu, Head of Music, Spotify Africa, the Spotify Wrapped campaign is also an opportunity for African artists to continue to thrive both home and abroad.

“As always, we also have our Wrapped creator experience for podcasters and artists. With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year. We are so excited to continue to support the growth of these artists globally and at home,” said Okumu.

The “Ye” singer has continued to push boundaries and like many of his successful peers in the African music scene, have shown the world that African music, art and talent can push global boundaries and make the world listen.

Following numerous sold out tours, including an eye-popping headliner show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, it is not difficult to see why the afrobeats heavyweight continues to thrive and put Africa as a whole on the map.

Graphic provided by Spotify.


News Brief

Savage Sets the Tone of His Career With Debut Album 'Utopia'

The Nigerian artist recently dropped a music video for single "Confident" and we cannot get enough.

Rising Nigerian newcomer Savagehas released his debut album Utopiaand people are paying attention. This comes after the fast-rising artist recently released singles ''Confident", featuring buzzing Nigerian Buju, and "Rosemary" featuring Victony, giving fans a taste of what's to come in his first major project.

The 10 track collection is sure to have something for everyone, as Savage promises an album that transcends afro-fusion and rap while touching on the dance-driven spirit that Afropop tends to leave audiences in. The album puts words and music to daily reflections on sex, lust, and love, as Savage highlights the ever-changing and evolving nature of love.

The Nigerian artist explores the feeling of lust in track "Unbutton," as Savage croons and swoons in adoration over a woman's body — all to the tune of percussive Afrobeats. "Pariwo" sees Savage study the popularized and iconic 808 drum sound, while the afro-swing sizzler "Mana Gyalis" recruits UK big guns Kojo Funds and Kida Kudz to take it home. Kenyan hip-hop star Khaligraph Jones and South Africa's Emtee lend their voices and star power to enigmatic rap number "Daddy," making the album a continental affair.

Utopia has encouraged Savage to explore a more varied sound palate, with the artist effortlessly blending sweet, upbeat tunes with mid-tempo grooves that'll make it impossible for you to stop moving. Savage was recently made the face of Apple Music's popular Africa Nowplaylist.

Check out Savage's latest music video for single "Confident" featuring Buju and listen to the album below.

Savage & Buju - Confident (Official Music Video)www.youtube.com


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