Showbiz
Spotify Wrapped 2023: Burna Boy Leads as Most Streamed African Artist in SSA
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new report released by Spotify has revealed that Burna Boy is the most streamed African artist in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on the platform in 2023, though he is behind Drake, a Canadian rapper, who emerged as the most streamed in the region under review.
In the Spotify Wrapped 2023 unveiled on Thursday, it was disclosed that Burna Boy, who has won the coveted Grammy, maintained the position for the second year in a row.
Spotify Wrapped 2023 is an annual data-led review of how people listen to music and podcasts on the popular platform.
Asake, Davido and Omah Lay all make an appearance in the top ten, showing Nigeria’s dominance in the music scene across the continent.
Ayra Starr narrowly missed the top ten most streamed artists list, landing at number 11 and being the top streamed female artist in SSA.
When it comes to tracks that the whole region can agree on, Ruger’s Asiwaju was on top, followed by Ayra Starr’s Rush.
A host of other Nigerian tracks also made the list, including Asake’s Lonely At The Top which is the most streamed track in Nigeria this year. Tyler ICU is the sole South African with Mnike, featuring DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee, and Libianca’s People is still making waves, almost a year after its release, landing it in the eighth spot.
Davido’s album Timeless was released earlier this year, after much anticipation from the fans, so it follows that it is the most streamed album in SSA, and two tracks from the album, Feel and Unavailable, featuring Musa Keys are in the top ten most streamed tracks in SSA.
To say that Asake is living the dream would be an understatement, after all, the artist was relatively unknown a few short years ago, and now two of his albums, Work of Art and Mr Money With The Vibe are in the top streamed list in the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The top exported artist in SSA is Rema, thanks to the popularity of Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, which is also the most exported track from SSA.
Furthermore, for the first time ever, an African artist-led track not only gained 1 billion streams on Spotify, it is also the eighth most streamed track globally. No small feat considering just a few years ago, African tracks were mostly confined to the continent.
All the African artists whose music was felt not just on the continent, but also on the global stages, are featured on Spotify’s Gone Abroad Presents…Global African Hits of 2023.
Even though Ayra Starr leads in the top streamed female artists list, the only other African female artist in the top ten is Tems, with the rest of the list being occupied by American artists.
To further showcase local listening trends from around the world, Spotify this year has Wrapped Mapped, showing which songs have soundtracked throughout the year since January 1, all across the globe.
Eligible users can access their personalized 2023 Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android) and also this year, via web view on mobile or Desktop by heading to Spotify.com/Wrapped.
Additionally, Spotify has also launched its Wrapped creator experience for podcasters and artists. With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all how their fans listened this year.
|
TOP STREAMED ARTISTS IN SSA |
TOP STREAMED TRACKS IN SSA |
TOP STREAMED ALBUMS IN SSA |
|
|
|
TOP EXPORTED ARTISTS |
TOP EXPORTED TRACKS |
TOP STREAMED FEMALE ARTISTS IN SSA |
|
The Big Brother Naija Season 11 House has recorded its first evictions on Sunday night, with Martins and Mercedes leaving the competition after polling the fewest votes from viewers.
Speaking with host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu after his eviction, Martins remained positive about what comes next, saying he plans to surprise the world with his next steps outside the House.
For Mercedes, the eviction was not something she considered a loss. She said she gave the experience everything she had and was proud of how she spent her time in the House. On what comes next, she revealed plans to perform globally while continuing to build her massage and concierge businesses. She also shared that one of her priorities is paying for her father’s surgery.
Chimsom Chuka Takes the First Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW) Title
While two housemates said goodbye to Biggie’s House, the evening also brought a new advantage for Chimsom Chuka, who emerged as the first Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW). The title earned him the betPawa Elite Award and immunity from next week’s eviction.
This adds another layer to the competition as the remaining housemates settle into the reality of the game, with strategies, alliances, and individual influence already beginning to take shape.
Nomy Receives Strike and Final Warning
Moments before the live eviction show, Big Brother summoned the housemates for a meeting following repeated violations of his instructions by Nomy. After addressing the importance of following the House rules, Big Brother issued Nomy a strike and final warning, making it clear that housemates cannot choose which of his instructions to follow.
With two housemates already out of the competition and Chimsom Chuka holding immunity for the coming week, the race for the N160 million grand prize is fast heating up.
Keep up with all the drama, suspense and gameplay in Big Brother Naija Season 11 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49, or watch it live on DStv Stream. Download the DStv Stream app and sign up – no dish, no decoder needed.
Every great movie starts with a decision; sometimes it’s the decision to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s the decision to fight back. Other times, it’s a split-second choice that turns an ordinary day into complete chaos.
This August, GOtv’s movie lineup is built around characters whose lives change because of one decision. Some are chasing redemption. Some are fighting for survival. Others are simply trying to make it through the madness they’ve found themselves in. Whatever your movie preference, these are stories that will keep you invested from beginning to end.
When bad decisions become great comedy
Let’s be honest, some of the funniest movies are built around people making one terrible decision after another. That’s exactly the kind of fun Bad Behaviour (Stunt) brings. Airing every Friday on TNT, the comedy is packed with chaotic moments, outrageous situations and plenty of laughs, making it the perfect way to leave the stress of the week behind and ease into the weekend.
Catch Bad Behaviour (Stunt) every Friday from 7 August at 2:55 pm on TNT, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
One act of courage changes everything
There are action movies, and then there are movies that leave you wondering how the characters survived at all.
In Mad Max: Fury Road, Imperator Furiosa risks everything when she decides to help a group of women escape from the ruthless Immortan Joe. Along the way, she crosses paths with Max Rockatansky, and together they embark on a relentless fight for freedom across a brutal wasteland. With breathtaking action, unforgettable chase scenes and Charlize Theron’s commanding performance, it’s easy to see why the film remains one of the most celebrated action movies of its generation.
Watch Mad Max: Fury Road on Saturday, 8 August at 8:00 pm on Studio Universal, available on GOtv Supa+.
Starting over isn’t always simple
Everyone deserves a second chance. Unfortunately for Tom Dolan, getting one isn’t as easy as confessing the truth.
In Honest Thief, Tom decides to come clean about the money he stole years earlier so he can build an honest future with the woman he loves. But instead of finding justice, he discovers that two FBI agents have plans of their own. What follows is a gripping game of cat and mouse where trust is scarce, danger is everywhere, and survival becomes the only option.
Catch Honest Thief on Friday, 14 August at 8:00 pm on MovieRoom, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
When giving up isn’t an option
Losing his sight could have marked the end of his story. Instead, it becomes the reason he writes a new one.
Blind War follows a former SWAT officer whose quiet life is shattered when the enemy from his past resurfaces and threatens his daughter. Forced back into action, he must rely on his instincts, determination and years of training to protect the person who matters most. It’s an emotional action thriller that proves courage isn’t measured by what you can see, but by what you’re willing to fight for.
Catch Blind War on Saturday, 29 August at 7:00 pm on KIX, available on GOtv Supa and higher packages.
Four movies. Four unforgettable stories.
Whether you’re looking for something to make you laugh after a busy week, an action film that keeps your heart racing or a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming, GOtv’s August movie lineup has something for every mood.
So the next time you’re wondering what to watch, you won’t have to spend half the evening searching. Just pick a movie, settle in and let the story take over.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, fondly called Tope Osoba by her fans, has reportedly passed away.
She died barely a year after she survived a battle with breast cancer, reports say.
The 41-year-old entertainer left the acting world to cater to her health, but returned shortly after she had a successful treatment in 2025.
The movie producer, however, has not been very active in the past months, ostensibly due to her health.
Her demise has come as a shock to some of her colleagues and admirers, as she was very lively during her lifetime.
Details about the unfortunate incident, which became known to her fans on Wednesday morning, have not been given by her family.
