By Ayo Onikoyi
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has once again etched his name into African music history after overtaking fellow Grammy-winning singer Tems to become the African artist with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify.
The achievement marks another significant milestone in Burna Boy’s remarkable global rise, highlighting the strength of his ever-expanding international audience and the enduring appeal of his catalogue.
According to Spotify data, Burna Boy recently climbed past 40.7 million monthly listeners, narrowly edging Tems’ tally of about 40.6 million to reclaim the top spot among African artists.
The feat is particularly noteworthy because the hierarchy looked very different only months ago.
In late 2025, Tems became Nigeria’s most-listened-to artist on Spotify, surpassing Burna Boy after enjoying massive streaming success from her debut album, high-profile collaborations and growing global recognition.
By June 2026, however, Burna Boy began a rapid ascent. His monthly listeners rose from just over 35 million to more than 40 million within weeks before eventually overtaking Tems.
Why Burna Boy overtook Tems
Several factors explain Burna Boy’s resurgence.
First is the enduring popularity of his extensive catalogue. Songs such as “Last Last,” “It’s Plenty,” “City Boys,” “On the Low” and numerous collaborations continue to generate millions of streams long after their release, ensuring a steady flow of new and returning listeners.
Another major factor is the release of fresh music. Every new Burna Boy single tends to trigger renewed interest in his older catalogue, creating a ripple effect that boosts his overall monthly audience. Spotify’s monthly listener metric reflects the number of unique users who listen to an artist within a 28-day period, making consistent engagement just as important as blockbuster hits.
Collaborations have also played a significant role. Burna Boy has continued to feature on international records spanning Afrobeats, pop, hip-hop and dance music, exposing him to audiences beyond Africa and strengthening his global streaming footprint.
The power of a global fan base
Burna Boy’s rise also reflects years of strategic international expansion.
From selling out arenas across Europe and North America to headlining major festivals and earning Grammy recognition, the “African Giant” has built one of the most diverse global audiences of any African artist.
Unlike streaming spikes driven by a single viral hit, Burna Boy’s numbers are supported by multiple albums and songs that continue to attract listeners across different markets. This gives him a strong foundation for sustained monthly growth.
Tems remains a global force
Although Burna Boy now occupies the summit, Tems’ achievement remains historic.
She became the first Nigerian female artist to reach such extraordinary Spotify listener numbers, powered by her critically acclaimed debut album, solo releases and collaborations with global stars. Her crossover appeal continues to make her one of Africa’s biggest music exports.
The battle between the two artists also illustrates the increasing competitiveness of African music on the global stage, where streaming records are now regularly challenged by Nigerian stars.
More than just a number
Monthly listeners are one of Spotify’s most closely watched indicators because they measure how many unique people listen to an artist over a rolling 28-day period. While the figure fluctuates with new releases, viral moments and collaborations, it offers a snapshot of an artist’s current global reach.
For Burna Boy, reclaiming the number one position is another affirmation of his status as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary musicians. It also underscores the growing dominance of Afrobeats and African music in the global streaming economy.
With Burna Boy and Tems continuing to release new music and attract international audiences, the race for Spotify’s African crown is likely to remain one of the most closely watched storylines in the continent’s music industry.
