Why Nigerian Artistes Earn Less From Streaming — Sarz

Nigerian music producer Osabuohien Osaretin, popularly known as Sarz, has explained why artistes in the country earn significantly less from music streaming than their counterparts in Western markets.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the producer highlighted the sharp revenue gap tied to geographic location.
According to him, one million streams in the United States can generate between $3,000 and $5,000, whereas the same number in Nigeria may yield only $300 to $500.
“A million streams from the United States is maybe $3,000–$5,000. That same one 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,” he said.
Sarz attributed the disparity largely to economic realities, noting that subscribers in Western countries pay higher fees for streaming services due to stronger economies and higher purchasing power.
He added that although Nigerians have a deep love for music, many cannot afford premium streaming subscriptions, which affects overall revenue for local artistes.
“People are streaming music. The people that can’t stream can’t afford it. But people listen to music across the country, and if they can’t afford streaming, it just means they don’t have the money,” he stated.

The producer stressed that improving the country’s economic conditions would ultimately boost streaming income for Nigerian artistes.