Nigerian music fans are listening to more music than any other country, spending an average of 30.4 hours weekly, a report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has revealed.
The report by this organization that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide named, Engaging with Music 2022, which outlined how people around the world enjoy and engage with music, noted that the average weekly time listening to music in Nigeria is 30.4 hours.
It further states that Nigerians regard music as a tool to help them battle mental health-related issues a point backed up by 82% of the respondents in the country.
Also, 87% of Nigerians agreed that music is important during workoutsessions.
“Music is integral to Nigerians’ mental and physical wellbeing – Music plays a vital role supporting both mental health and physical activity,” read the report.
According to the newly released data by IFPI, 67% of time spent on short-form video apps in Nigeria was on music-focused videos.
The music genre that Nigerian people listen to is diverse and it ranges from Afrobeats, Gospel to Nigerian Hip-Hop and Rap.
“Music is a great source of national pride in Nigeria. 87% of people surveyed in Nigeria feel proud when a music artist from Nigeria is globally successful,” said the report.
According to the report, 88% of respondents had used unauthorized or unlicensed methods to listen to or download music, posing a major threat to the local music ecosystem.
IFPI Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frances Moore said the report paints a fascinating picture of how fans around the globe listen to and engage with music today.
“Working with artists to bring them their greatest creative and commercial success, record companies are harnessing new technologies – including in-gaming and health and fitness apps – to make it possible for music fans to connect with their favorite artists and tracks in even more ways,” Mr Moore said.
Mr Moore added that a lot has to be done to ensure those seeking to profit from unlicensed and unauthorized music can’t threaten the vibrancy of a music ecosystem that is essential to artists and fans.
” Engaging with Music 2022 serves as a healthy and celebratory reminder of the true global importance and value of music – and the need to protect and support it,” he added.
IFPI’s SSA Regional Director, Angela Ndambuki, said Nigerians support their music more than fans from any other country.
“The report shows just how vibrant and exciting the Nigerian music scene is, with the fans listening to more music than any other country in the study,” said Ms Ndambuki.
Ms Ndambuki added, “However, it also reminds us that we must remain diligent in ensuring that the music industry within Nigeria grows sustainably and that we continue to support those who are investing in local music and artists in their work to build a healthy music ecosystem in the country.”
The report was based on the responses of more than 44,000 people across 22 countries, including Nigeria and South Africa.