Afrobeats Domination Continues as “Is It Crime” Singer Outpaces Burna Boy, Ayra Starr in Global Digital Race
Nigerian superstar Rema has cemented his status as Africa’s streaming king, emerging as the most-played Nigerian artist on YouTube during the first quarter of 2025. According to new data from Nigerian music platform The Debut Hub, the “Calm Down” hitmaker amassed a staggering 223 million streams between January and March – with his viral single “Is It Crime” contributing 14 million plays alone.
The 23-year-old phenom edged out heavyweight competitors in what’s becoming Nigeria’s most thrilling musical rivalry. Grammy winner Burna Boy secured second place with 171 million streams as fans eagerly await his forthcoming album No Sign of Weakness, while breakout star Ayra Starr claimed third with 169 million streams of her genre-blending tracks.
Afrobeats legends Davido (113 million) and Wizkid (102 million) completed the top five in a chart that underscores Nigeria’s growing influence on global music consumption. The streaming figures reveal an industry in full bloom, with Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel and Asake all surpassing 60 million streams in just three months.
“This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about cultural impact,” said music analyst Tunde Adewale. “When you see Rema outperforming global stars while gospel artists like Nathaniel Bassey and Mercy Chinwo share space with afropop acts, you realize Nigeria’s sound is becoming unstoppable.”
The streaming dominance comes as Rema prepares for his Ravers Universe Tour, with industry watchers noting how platforms like YouTube have become the battleground for Africa’s musical supremacy. With 15 Nigerian artists surpassing 40 million streams this quarter, the data proves Afrobeats isn’t just having a moment – it’s rewriting the rules of global pop.
Top 5 Nigerian Artists on YouTube (Q1 2025):
- Rema — 223M
- Burna Boy — 171M
- Ayra Starr — 169M
- Davido — 113M
- Wizkid — 102M
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