Talented Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer, Johnny Drille, has opened up about the financial challenges faced by artists in Nigeria’s music industry, revealing that Nigerian musicians earn far less from music streaming compared to artists in more developed countries such as the United Kingdom.
The Mavin Records artist, known for his soulful voice and unique sound, shared that the revenue generated from streaming platforms in Nigeria is extremely low, making it difficult for artists to rely solely on streaming as a major source of income.
According to Johnny Drille, the streaming revenue model greatly favors artists whose music is streamed in Western countries like the UK or the US, leaving African artists with very little return despite high stream counts.
He revealed that one million streams from Nigeria would earn an artist around $300, while the same number of streams from the United Kingdom could bring in as much as $5,000, showing the massive disparity in payout rates between the two regions.
“One million streams in Nigeria gives you just $300” – Johnny Drille laments
Speaking in a recent interview, Johnny Drille explained that while streaming platforms have helped artists reach global audiences, the financial returns for Nigerian-based streams remain discouragingly low.
He said, “If your one million streams are coming from Nigeria, it’s probably like $300. But if those same streams are from the UK or US, you could make around $5,000.”
The singer emphasized that this wide gap in revenue makes it challenging for many African musicians to sustain themselves through streaming alone. He pointed out that even though the streaming numbers may look impressive, the actual payout often does not match the creative effort and financial investment required to produce quality music.
Johnny Drille’s revelation sparked conversations among fans and fellow musicians online, with many expressing surprise and frustration at how location can significantly affect the earnings of African artists.
“Focus on growth, not just streams” – Johnny Drille advises young artists
Despite the harsh reality of streaming income in Nigeria, Johnny Drille encouraged emerging artists not to give up. He urged them to focus on improving their craft, growing their fan base, and finding alternative revenue streams within the music industry.
He explained that while streaming might not pay much locally, the bigger financial opportunities often come from live performances, brand endorsements, merchandise sales, and international collaborations.
“It might be tough early on,” he said. “But if you truly believe that this is your path, stay consistent. Keep pushing, keep improving, and the right opportunities will eventually come your way.”
Johnny Drille also called on industry stakeholders to work toward improving the structure of the Nigerian music economy, ensuring artists are better compensated for their work and creativity.
The singer concluded by saying that with more global attention now on Afrobeats and Nigerian music, there’s hope for change, but artists must remain patient, dedicated, and strategic in building their careers.