‘Why Nigerian artists earn less from streaming platforms,’ Sarz

Nigerian music producer Osabuohien Osaretin, popularly known as Sarz, has spoken on the reason behind the gap in streaming revenues between Nigeria and Western countries.

Sarz, while speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, explained that the same number of streams in the United States earn more than streams in Nigeria.

He revealed that the income gap could be because Western subscribers pay more due to their stronger economies.

“A million streams from the United States is maybe $3000-$5000. That same 1 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. We are waiting for the state of the country to get better so other things can start improving. I think we have done very well with the resources that we have and despite all the obstacles against us,” he said.

Sarz also explained that the Nigerian economy greatly contributes to the gap, noting that most Nigerians cannot afford to pay for premium subscriptions.

“I mean, 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 that they don’t have the money to. And how do we empower them? Back to the government. So, we are just waiting till the economy gets better,” he added.