To commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Apple Music has released a special list highlighting the biggest Nigerian artists, songs, and albums.
This celebration, called Oshe Naija (meaning “Thanks, Nigeria” in Yoruba), is a month-long initiative that honors the various regions of Nigeria that have shaped the country’s rich musical heritage.
The initiative also aims to showcase how Nigerian music has expanded globally, earning recognition on the world stage.
As part of the celebration, Apple Music revealed the top 10 most streamed Nigerian albums on its platform. Topping the list is Wizkid’s 2020 album Made In Lagos, which gained critical acclaim and produced the global hit Essence featuring Tems.
The song’s massive success culminated in winning the 2022 BET Award for Best Collaboration. Following closely, Burna Boy’s Grammy-nominated albums, Love, Damini and African Giant, take second and third place, respectively, further cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports.
Tems’ For Broken Ears secures the fourth spot on the list, making it the only project by a female artist and the only EP featured among the top 10. Tems’ rise to global prominence has not only expanded the reach of Nigerian music but has also added more diversity to the industry.
Other albums rounding out the list include Burna Boy’s I Told Them…l, Twice As Tall, Asake’s Mr. Money With The Vibe, and Davido’s Timeless, illustrating the wide array of Nigerian talent across different genres.
As part of the Oshe Naija campaign, Apple Music will also feature 8 curated playlists from prominent Nigerian artists. These playlists will showcase unique sounds from various regions, with contributions from artists like Omah Lay (Port Harcourt), ODUMODUBLVCK (Abuja), Shallipopi (Benin City), Seyi Vibez (Lagos), and legendary Afro-pop artist 2Baba (Jos).
This initiative emphasizes the diversity and creativity of Nigerian music, as well as its far-reaching influence across the globe.
