By Adedapo Adesanya

Spotify says music streaming in Nigeria has grown at an average rate of 163.5 per cent, underscoring the speed at which the country has emerged as a global streaming force since it launched here in 2021.

In a statement, the music streaming company reported triple-digit year-on-year growth in its early years and sustained momentum through 2025.

The platform, which entered the Nigerian market in February 2021, described the journey as one marked by rapid cultural acceleration.

Spotify said at the heart of that growth was Afrobeats, which recorded a 5,022 per cent increase in streams locally between 2021 and 2025.

It added that other genres also witnessed remarkable expansion. According to the platform, Amapiano surged by 10,330 per cent; Gospel and Praise grew by 5,499 per cent; Hip-hop and Rap rose by 3,020 per cent; while R&B climbed by 2,602 per cent.

Spotify further said language had become another growth engine, with indigenous-language listening increasing by 554 per cent in 2024 and 87 per cent in 2025 within Nigeria.

Globally, indigenous-language streams rose by 141 per cent in 2024 and 41 per cent in 2025, reflecting what the company described as a growing appetite for local-language storytelling and sound.

According to Spotify, listening habits reflected global curiosity from day one. The first track streamed in Nigeria at launch was “到此為止” by Shiga Lin, reinforcing the platform’s view that Nigerian users are eclectic and open to discovery.

Over the five-year period, the most-streamed artists in Nigeria include Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Wizkid and Seyi Vibez.

Among the most replayed songs are ‘Remember’ and ‘Lonely At The Top’ by Asake; ‘Kese (Dance)’ by Wizkid; ‘Doha’ by Seyi Vibez; and ‘With You’ by Davido featuring Omah Lay.

The platform said the number of Nigerian artists on Spotify has grown by 158 per cent since launch, while users have created more than 25 million playlists within the period.

According to the company, in 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded over 1.4 million play hours on the platform.

Spotify also noted that podcast consumption is expanding, with more than 59 billion total podcast hours streamed since its launch.

The platform added that user behaviour reflects a young and adventurous market, with the average listener aged 26. In recent months, Nigerians streamed an average of 150 different artists, which Spotify described as evidence of a discovery-driven audience.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of N1.2 billion in copyright levy funds payable to the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), pending the determination of a substantive application before the court.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted an interim Mareva injunction restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and no fewer than 20 commercial banks from disbursing or releasing the disputed funds.

The order followed an ex parte application filed on February 5, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/207/2026 by the Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative and 11 leading record labels and music companies.

The plaintiffs include Mavin Records Ltd, Davido Music Worldwide Ltd, Premier Music Publishing Limited, Chocolate City Music Limited, Hypertek Digital Limited, Digital Music Commerce & Exchange Limited (DMCE), Beggars Group Media Limited, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Warner Music South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Gamma Media Middle East DMCC.

The second to 12th plaintiffs instituted the action through their lawful attorney, Record Label Proprietors’ Initiative.

In the motion ex parte, filed and argued by their counsel, Oragwu Nnamdi, the applicants sought an order restraining the CBN from disbursing, releasing, transferring or otherwise paying out any copyright levy funds attributable to sound recordings and intended for MCSN, pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice.

They further prayed the court to restrain MCSN, its agents, servants or privies from receiving, accessing, withdrawing, transferring, dissipating or otherwise dealing with the levy funds, whether paid directly by the CBN or routed through commercial banks.

The plaintiffs also requested that the apex bank and the affected financial institutions be directed to preserve the funds and file affidavits of compliance within three days of service of the order, disclosing the sums standing to the credit of MCSN in respect of the levy payments.

Ruling on the application, Justice Lewis-Allagoa restrained the CBN, its officers, agents or any person acting under its authority from disbursing any copyright levy funds attributable to sound recordings and payable to MCSN, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

The court equally barred MCSN from receiving, accessing, utilising, withdrawing, transferring, converting, dissipating or otherwise dealing with the funds, whether already received or yet to be disbursed.

In addition, the judge directed the CBN and the listed banks to preserve the disputed sums and file affidavits of compliance within three days of being served with the order, disclosing the amounts standing to MCSN’s credit in respect of levy payments earmarked for disbursement or already disbursed.

The court further ordered that any copyright levy funds already received by MCSN and attributable to sound recordings owned by the 2nd to 12th plaintiffs — after they had validly opted out of the collective management and administration of their rights — must be preserved intact.

MCSN was also directed to render an account of such funds and refrain from further dealings with them pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Dr Chinedu Chukwuji of Lekki, Lagos, deposed to the supporting affidavit.

After hearing submissions from counsel to the plaintiffs, the court granted the orders as prayed and adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for hearing of the Motion on Notice.

Transferring music from one device to another can often feel like a daunting task. For online business owners, eCommerce entrepreneurs, and digital professionals, streamlined processes are essential, and losing precious tracks during a transfer can be frustrating. Fortunately, tools like FreeYourMusic make moving music collections seamless and reliable, ensuring that every track and playlist remains intact.

This guide explores how to use these tools effectively, providing step-by-step tips to transfer music between devices or restore data. By following best practices, users can confidently manage their music libraries and enjoy uninterrupted access to their favorite tracks wherever they go.

Understanding Music Transfer Tools

Music transfer tools are specialized software applications designed to help the movement of audio files between different platforms or devices. They simplify the process by providing a user-friendly interface that allows users to quickly upload, download, and manage music files without needing extensive technical knowledge. For online business owners and agencies, using the right tool can save significant time and ensure that tracks maintain their original quality throughout the transfer, an essential factor when every second counts in a fast-paced digital environment.

These tools typically support multiple file formats and can handle various music libraries, making them versatile choices for users. They hide the complex processes behind a simple interface, allowing anyone to transfer music effortlessly.

Why Use a Music Transfer Tool?

Using a music transfer tool comes with several advantages that cater specifically to those who prioritize efficiency and reliability. Here are a few reasons:

1. Time Efficiency: Transferring music manually can be a time-consuming process, often leading to frustration. Tools automate much of this work, allowing users to focus on their core activities, such as managing their businesses or campaigns.
2. Loss Prevention: The fear of losing essential tracks during transfers is a common concern. A dedicated tool minimizes this risk by ensuring that files are copied accurately without corruption or loss.
3. Compatibility and Flexibility: Many tools offer support for various file formats and can work across different operating systems. This compatibility ensures that users can transfer music regardless of their technology environment, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or mobile devices.
4. Improved Organization: Some tools come with features that allow users to categorize and manage their music libraries effectively. This can prove invaluable for marketers who rely on specific soundtracks or audio content for promotional activities.

Key Features of an Effective Music Transfer Tool

An effective music transfer tool will offer various key features aimed at enhancing user experience. When choosing a tool, look for the following characteristics:

1. User-Friendly Interface: A well-designed, intuitive interface that guides the user is crucial. Ideally, anyone should be able to navigate it without hours of training.
2. Fast Transfer Speeds: Time is money, especially for busy professionals. A good tool will ensure swift transfers without compromising audio quality.
3. Multi-Platform Support: Whether the user wants to transfer music from a computer to a smartphone, or between cloud services, multi-platform capabilities ensure versatility.
4. File Integrity Checks: A reliable music transfer tool performs checks to confirm that files have been transferred without corruption, providing peace of mind.
5. Backup Options: The inclusion of backup features is invaluable. Users should be able to create duplicates of their files easily before beginning the transfer to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tool

To effectively use a music transfer tool, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Download and Install the Tool: Start by downloading the software from a trusted source. Follow the installation prompts to set it up on your device.
2. Connect Your Devices: Use USB cables or a wireless connection to link the devices you will transfer music from and to. Ensure that both devices are recognized by the software.
3. Select the Music Files: Navigate the software interface to find the music library. Select the tracks you wish to transfer.
4. Initiate the Transfer: Click the transfer button and monitor the progress. Most tools will display the time remaining and file integrity checks during this phase.
5. Verify Your Files: Once the transfer is complete, navigate to the destination device and play the tracks to ensure they’ve been transferred correctly.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even though their advantages, users may encounter common issues with music transfer tools. Here are a few problems and their resolutions:

1. Device Recognition Problems: If the device is not recognized, ensure that drivers are updated and that the device is properly connected.
2. Transfer Failures: If transfers fail midway, check for stable connections and sufficient storage space on the destination device. Restarting the tool and devices can also resolve this issue.
3. Corrupted Files: If files appear corrupted post-transfer, verify that the music files are in supported formats and consider reattempting the transfer.

Best Practices for Music Transfer

To enhance the experience and ensure successful music transfers, consider implementing these best practices:

1. Regular Backups: Consistently back up your music library to separate drives or cloud storage to prevent data loss.
2. Update Software Regularly: Keeping your transfer tool updated ensures compatibility with the latest devices and file formats, alongside crucial performance enhancements.
3. Check System Requirements: Make sure the device you’re transferring music to meets the software’s system requirements to avoid any hiccups during the transfer process.

Conclusion

A simple tool to transfer music without losing tracks can save valuable time and eliminate headaches for online business owners and entrepreneurs. By understanding the importance of music transfer tools, selecting one with key features, and following best practices, users can confidently manage their music collections. Embracing these solutions not just streamlines the process but also ensures that creativity and efficiency coexist, eventually allowing professionals to focus on driving their businesses forward.