How bad economy is affecting streaming revenues in Nigeria – Sarz
Nigerian Music Producer Discusses Streaming Revenue Disparities
Nigerian music producer Osabuohien Osaretin, known professionally as Sarz, recently addressed the significant gap in music streaming revenues between Nigeria and Western countries.
In an appearance on the Afropolitan podcast, Sarz pointed out that a million streams on Spotify in the United States can generate between $3,000 and $5,000, while the same number of streams in Nigeria yields only $300 to $500. He emphasized that marketing and promotional costs remain similar across both markets.
“A million streams from the United States is maybe $3,000 to $5,000. That same million streams from Nigeria is arguably only $300 to $500, despite the marketing costs being comparable,” Sarz explained.
He attributed the disparity in revenue to broader economic factors, noting that subscribers in developed countries pay significantly more than their Nigerian counterparts, who often face financial constraints. Sarz remarked that while Nigerians are passionate about music, many cannot afford premium streaming subscriptions, affecting the economic viability of streams from Nigeria.
On potential solutions, Sarz said, “We [Nigerian entertainers and executives] are waiting for the state of the country to improve so that other aspects can start to advance.” He acknowledged the resilience of the music industry in Nigeria, expressing optimism about the future.
“The people who cannot afford streaming services are limited by their financial situation. We need to empower them, and that ultimately goes back to the government. We are just waiting for the economy to get better,” he added.
