Nigerian singer-songwriter Johnny Drille has opened up about the harsh financial realities faced by artists in the country, revealing that Nigerian musicians earn far less from music streaming compared to their peers in countries like the United Kingdom.
The Mavin Records artist shared that streaming platforms pay significantly lower rates for streams originating from Nigeria, making it difficult for local artists to depend on streaming revenue as their main source of income.
“One million streams in Nigeria gives $300” — Johnny Drille
In a recent chat, Johnny Drille explained that while a million streams might sound impressive, it only brings in about $300 if most of the audience is based in Nigeria. In contrast, artists in the UK can earn up to $5,000 for the same number of streams.
He noted that this huge disparity discourages many African artists, as the effort and creativity they invest in producing music often don’t match the financial return.
“If your 1 million streams are from Nigeria, it’s probably like $300. But the same number from the UK could be around $5,000.”
The singer’s revelation quickly sparked discussion online, with fans expressing shock over how much geography influences streaming payouts.
Johnny Drille urges artists to stay focused
Despite the low streaming revenue, Johnny encouraged up-and-coming musicians to stay determined and focus on growth, reminding them that real success often comes from live performances, brand deals, and global reach.
He concluded on an optimistic note, saying that while the journey might be tough at first, persistence and belief in one’s craft will eventually pay off.