How Burna Boy reclaimed Spotify’s African crown from Tems

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has once again secured the top position as the African artist with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify, overtaking fellow Grammy winner Tems. This significant milestone underscores Burna Boy's ongoing global ascent and the widespread appeal of his extensive music catalog.

According to Spotify data, Burna Boy recently surpassed 40.7 million monthly listeners, narrowly edging out Tems' approximately 40.6 million. This feat is particularly noteworthy as Tems had previously claimed the top spot among Nigerian artists on Spotify in late 2025, following the success of her debut album and high-profile collaborations.

Burna Boy's resurgence began in earnest around June 2026, with his monthly listeners rapidly increasing from just over 35 million to more than 40 million within weeks. Several factors are credited for this comeback. The enduring popularity of his back catalog, featuring hits like "Last Last," "It's Plenty," and "City Boys," continues to draw millions of streams. Additionally, the release of new singles often sparks renewed interest in his older material, creating a positive ripple effect on his overall listener numbers.

Collaborations have also played a crucial role in expanding Burna Boy's reach. He has consistently featured on international tracks across various genres, exposing his music to diverse audiences and strengthening his global streaming presence. This strategic international expansion, marked by sold-out arena tours and festival headlining slots, has cultivated one of the most varied global fan bases for an African artist.

While Burna Boy now leads, Tems' achievement remains historic. She broke barriers as the first Nigerian female artist to reach such extraordinary listener numbers on Spotify, driven by her critically acclaimed debut album, solo work, and collaborations with global music stars.