Topping Nigerian Charts Isn’t Worth Celebrating, Burna Boy Advises Artists
Grammy Award-winning Nigerian musician Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, has urged his fellow artists to rethink their enthusiasm for achieving top positions on music charts in Nigeria, citing inadequate financial returns.
In an Instagram story posted on Tuesday, Burna Boy revealed that one million streams in Nigeria yield only approximately $300 to $400, a stark contrast to the earnings artists receive for the same number of streams in the UK, US, or Europe, where they reportedly earn between £3,000 and £4,000, $4,000, and €3,000 and €4,000, respectively.
The artist behind the hit “Last Last” emphasized that reaching the number one spot on a Nigerian streaming platform should not be a cause for celebration. He encouraged musicians to aspire for greater achievements or to explore additional business ventures for improved financial outcomes.
“Achieving the number one position on any streaming platform in Nigeria is not a reason to celebrate. Strive for higher goals or consider side businesses. I say this with love,” Burna Boy stated.
In a previous message, he cautioned artists against being misled by online polls or the backing of Nigerian social media users, emphasizing that online engagement seldom translates into tangible success, such as sold-out concerts or large international audiences.
“Dear artists, do not allow Twitter polls and ‘Naija social media fans’ to mislead you. They will not fill any stadium for you anywhere in the world,” he warned.
