Davido, Burna Boy, Shallipopi Dominate 2025 Spotify Global Impact List

Global streaming platform Spotify has released its annual Global Impact List (Nigeria) for the first half of 2025. 

The 30-track roundup features a mix of instantly recognisable Afrobeats anthems and sleeper hits that have quietly made their way to international stardom.

“This year’s Global Impact List is a testament to the vast range and international appeal of Nigerian music,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “We’re seeing both seasoned global talents and promising new artistes making significant strides. It’s particularly exciting to observe Afrobeats not only dominating but continually evolving, capturing the attention of a global audience. Spotify is proud to be a part of this movement.”

Topping the list is none other than Afro-rave king Rema, whose year opener “Baby (Is it a Crime)” captured millions of fans even before its release—thanks to its clever sampling of Sade Adu. The track remains the most streamed Nigerian song on Spotify, with 60.6 million streams. Rema also lands another entry with his second release of the year, “Bout U,” charting at No. 14.

Grammy-nominated star Davido leads the pack with the most entries—nine in total—including two in the top ten: the viral “With You” featuring Omah Lay at No. 3, and the dance-heavy “Be There Still” at No. 10.

Grammy winner Burna Boy follows with five entries. His highest-ranking song, the Travis Scott-assisted bounce track “TaTaTa,” comes in at No. 5. His recently released eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness,” also made waves, debuting on this week’s Billboard 200 at No. 200 and on the UK Official Albums Chart at No. 6.

Shallipopi makes a strong showing after scoring a global breakout with the international hit “Laho,” which lands at No. 2. The remix, “Laho II” featuring Burna Boy, charts at No. 9—proof that the mixed reviews surrounding the remix haven’t dulled its global reach. 

In a bid to keep the momentum alive, Shallipopi has released a third remix featuring Reggaeton artiste Rauw Alejandro, and is scheduled to drop a fourth with UK rapper Central Cee.

Only two Nigerian female artistes make the list; Ayra Starr and Teni, raising questions about the visibility of women on the global stage. Starr scores two entries: “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid at No. 11, and “All This Love” at No. 16. Teni secures a solo entry with “Money” at No. 26.

Breakout acts Chella, Himra, and Minz also earn spots on the chart. Chella’s viral hit “My Darling” shines at No. 4, while Himra and Minz’s collaboration, “NUMBER ONE,” lands at No. 28.

Beyond Nigeria, Spotify also released Global Impact Lists for South Africa, Kenya, and South Korea.