Afrobeats sensation Rema has made waves in the music industry by emerging as the most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube during the first quarter of 2025.
With an impressive 223 million streams, Rema has solidified his place at the forefront of global music. His success can largely be attributed to his smash hit “Calm Down,” which played a pivotal role in his streaming dominance, surpassing 1 billion streams globally.
The song’s infectious melody and widespread appeal have catapulted Rema to international stardom, making him a household name not only in Nigeria but across the world.
In addition to “Calm Down,” Rema’s single “Baby (Is It A Crime)” has also contributed significantly to his success on YouTube. The track secured the second spot as the most-streamed song by a Nigerian artist on the platform in 2025, with an impressive 14 million streams.
This further underscores the artist’s versatility and growing influence in the global music scene. Rema’s ability to consistently release hits and captivate audiences around the world showcases his immense talent and promise as one of the leading figures in Afrobeats.
Burna Boy, a global hitmaker in his own right, ranks second on the list with a remarkable 171 million streams. The Grammy-winning artist is experiencing a highly active 2025, as he prepares for the release of his highly anticipated eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness.
Burna Boy’s continued success in the streaming world is a testament to his international appeal, and his forthcoming album is expected to further elevate his status as one of the biggest African stars on the global stage.
His unique blend of Afrobeats, reggae, and pop continues to resonate with listeners around the world, ensuring his spot among the top streamers.
In third place is Ayra Starr, Rema’s label mate at Mavin Records, who has racked up 169 million streams thanks to a string of successful releases, including her 2025 single “All The Love.”
Ayra Starr’s rise in the music industry has been nothing short of meteoric, and her place in the top three reflects her growing influence in both the Afrobeats and global music scenes.
Her distinctive sound and compelling presence have made her a fan favorite, and she continues to garner attention with her fresh releases that push the boundaries of the genre.
Rounding out the top five are two of Nigeria’s most iconic artists: Davido and Wizkid. Davido, the five-time Grammy nominee, accumulated 113 million streams, with his catalog poised to grow even further with the upcoming release of his fifth album, 5ive.
His legacy as one of the pioneers of the modern Afrobeats sound is well cemented, and his upcoming project is highly anticipated by fans worldwide. Finally, Grammy winner Wizkid holds the fifth position with 102 million streams.
The megastar, whose influence transcends borders, recently dropped the music video for his track “Kese (Dance)” from his record-breaking album Morayo, further solidifying his place as a leading figure in global music.
Top 20 most-streamed Nigerian artists globally on YouTube Music in Q1 2025 (January – March)
#1. Rema — 223M
#2. Burna Boy — 171M
#3. Ayra Starr — 169M
#4. Davido — 113M
#5. Wizkid — 102M
#6. Omah Lay — 96.7M
#7. Kizz Daniel — 67.9M
#8. Ruger — 65.7M
#9. CKay — 64.6M
#10. Asake — 63.4M
#11. Tems — 60.4M
#12. Fireboy DML — 59.1M
#13. Nathaniel Bassey — 52.8M
#14. Oxlade — 52.4M
#15. Tekno — 50.8M
#16. Tiwa Savage — 45.3M
#17. Mercy Chinwo — 46.4M
#18. Victony — 42.5M
#19. Moses Bliss — 41.5M
#20. BNXN — 41M
