Sarz Highlights Huge Spotify Pay Gap for African Artistes

Sarz has shed light on why streaming income in Africa, especially Nigeria, falls far below what artists earn in Western markets.

During an appearance on the Afropolitan podcast, the Nigerian hitmaker broke down the numbers.

He explained that one million Spotify streams in the United States can generate between $3,000 and $5,000.

The same one million streams in Nigeria may return only $300 to $500, even though the cost of promotion remains similar.

A million streams from the United States is maybe $3000-$5000..That same 1 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.

According to the producer, the difference is largely economic.

Subscription fees are higher in stronger economies, which increases payout value per stream.

Sarz noted that Nigerians are passionate music consumers, but many lack the disposable income for paid subscriptions.

Until the broader economy improves, he believes the revenue gap will remain a major challenge for local artistes.