That Nigeria’s music industry is a global powerhouse is no longer news. The songs have been dominating streaming platforms, and topping Billboard charts. Yes, the artists are selling out stadiums faster than you can say “Odogwu.”
But with all these, there’s a nagging question: Is all this global success translating into real economic impact at home?
The global dominance of Nigerian artists makes the industry an economic force. Streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music are raking in cash from Nigerian sounds. Record labels are investing big bucks. International brands are lining up for endorsements. Even Hollywood is catching on, featuring Afrobeats in blockbuster movies.
But Back Home, It’s a Different Story
For an industry making waves worldwide, you’d expect Nigeria to be cashing in big time. But reality check—it’s not that simple. The local industry is still battling major roadblocks that make it hard to maximize its own success.
First off, where are the world-class concert venues? Nigerian artists sell out the O2 Arena in London, but back home, there are barely any large-scale arenas to accommodate massive crowds. Instead, concerts are often held in makeshift venues, with poor crowd control and limited security.
Speaking of security, touring within Nigeria is a logistical nightmare. Many regions are plagued with safety concerns, making it difficult for artists to plan nationwide tours. Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, where artists can seamlessly move from city to city, Nigerian musicians have to navigate bad roads, unreliable transport networks, and the risk of security threats.
Then there’s the broken royalty system. Many local artists struggle to get their fair share from radio airplay and public performances due to an inadequate royalty collection system. Compare that to countries with structured music rights organizations ensuring artists are paid what they deserve—it’s clear Nigeria has catching up to do.
So, let’s look beyond the Wizkids and Burna Boys of the world. The Nigerian music industry fuels a whole ecosystem—producers, songwriters, video directors, event organizers, even fashion designers (because let’s face it, style is part of the music culture). Every hit song creates jobs. Every sold-out concert means more business for local vendors, transport operators, and hospitality services. Imagine that there are sufficient local facilities, that means more fortune for everyone along the food chain. Which means more revenue channels for the government.
Imagine if Nigeria had the infrastructure to fully support this booming industry. Imagine local streaming platforms competing globally. Imagine policies that protect artists and ensure revenue stays in the country. That’s the real conversation.
Nigerian music is making billions.But how do we make sure Nigeria gets its fair share?
