Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy has regained his position as the African artist with the highest monthly listeners on Spotify, overtaking fellow Grammy winner Tems.
According to recent Spotify data, Burna Boy surpassed 40.7 million monthly listeners, narrowly edging Tems, who stands at about 40.6 million. The shift marks a comeback for Burna Boy, who had previously lost the top spot to Tems in late 2025.
Tems had risen to number one following the success of her debut album, major collaborations, and increasing global recognition. However, Burna Boy’s streaming numbers surged in June 2026, climbing from just over 35 million to more than 40 million within weeks.
Industry observers attribute his return to the top to the sustained popularity of his catalog, including hits like “Last Last,” “City Boys,” and “On the Low,” alongside new releases that continue to attract listeners. His frequent international collaborations have also expanded his reach across multiple markets.
Burna Boy’s consistent global presence, through tours, festival performances, and award recognition, has helped maintain steady listener growth beyond viral moments.
Despite losing the top position, Tems remains one of Africa’s biggest global music exports. She continues to break records as one of the most-streamed Nigerian female artists, with strong international appeal driven by her solo work and collaborations.
The close competition between both artists highlights the growing global influence of African music, particularly Afrobeats, as streaming numbers continue to rise worldwide.
Spotify’s monthly listener metric tracks unique users over a 28-day period, offering a snapshot of an artist’s current reach. With both Burna Boy and Tems releasing new music, the race for the top spot is expected to remain highly competitive.
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