Ace Nigerian music producer, Osabuohien Osaretin, widely known as Sarz, has shed light on the stark difference between music streaming revenues in Nigeria and those in the United States and other Western nations.
Speaking during a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Sarz revealed that while one million streams on Spotify in the US can generate between $3,000 and $5,000, the same number of streams in Nigeria earns just about $300 to $500, even though promotional and marketing costs remain nearly the same.
“A million streams from the United States is maybe $3000-$5000. That same one million streams from Nigeria is arguably maybe $300-$500, but it will cost you the same amount to market or promote a song in Nigeria as much as it would cost you abroad,” he said.
According to Sarz, the wide gap in streaming income is largely influenced by economic factors. He explained that subscribers in Western countries pay higher fees because their economies are stronger, which directly affects how much artists and producers earn from streams.
He added that although Nigerians are passionate about music and eager to support artists, many lack the financial capacity to subscribe to premium streaming services, making streams from Nigeria less financially rewarding.
On possible solutions, Sarz pointed to broader economic reforms, saying, “We [Nigerian entertainers and executives] are waiting for the state of the country to get better so other things can start improving.
“I think we have done very well with the resources that we have and with all the obstacles against us.
“I mean, people are streaming music, the people that can’t stream, can’t afford it. But people listen to music across the country and if they can’t afford streaming, it just means that they don’t have the money to.
“And how do we empower them? Back to the government. So, we are just waiting till the economy gets better.”
Sarz concluded that improving the nation’s economy remains key to unlocking better opportunities and higher earnings for Nigerian creatives in the global music industry.
