A considerable amount of Nigerian artists are familiar with the feeling of having a spike in streams, maybe even a playlist placement. But when it’s time to cash out from all the seeming buzz? Crickets. The numbers don’t translate and the bank account certainly doesn’t match the hype.
With Spotify’s latest global price update locking Nigeria in as the lowest-paying premium market at ₦1,300/month, the problem has become impossible to ignore: streaming alone will not sustain a music career in this market. Not now. Not ever.
Yes, streaming is essential for reach, visibility, and catalog building. But the payout per stream, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria, is too low to function as a primary income source. Artists who rely solely on streaming revenue often find themselves stuck in a loop of virality without value, traction without translation.
But here’s the truth: there are other ways to win—better ways. Real ways. The Nigerian music industry is not short on opportunities. What’s missing is the shift in mindset—from chasing visibility to building viable music businesses.
Below, are 10 practical, proven alternatives to streaming revenue—income streams that every Nigerian artist should explore, build, and own.
1. Shows Over Streams — Always
You see that 3-minute banger you dropped last year? It might’ve gotten you a few thousand Spotify streams and a spot on someone’s gym playlist, but the real money is in bringing it to life on stage. Nigerians are still outside. From beach carnivals in Lagos to indie night lounges in Ibadan, there’s a venue for every sound. And unlike the digital world where you’re just a name in a playlist, live shows make people feel your energy in real-time. It turns passive listeners into cult fans.
A tight 20-minute set at the right event can earn you ten times what a viral song might make on DSPs. Even better? You control the experience. Build a killer live routine, play with a band if possible, and create moments that make the audience scream, “who the hell is this?!” Then, boom—demand. You’re no longer an algorithm’s prisoner; you’re a booked-and-busy performer who commands a fee.
2. Merch Isn’t Just for Big Dogs
We need to kill this idea that only superstar artists should have merch. You don’t need to have a sold-out Eko Hotel show to drop a T-shirt line. If you have a niche, a message, or even a funny lyric fans repeat, you already have the DNA for a merch drop. The trick is in branding, not billboard charts.
Imagine a moody R&B singer selling embroidered durags or a street-hop artist pushing “Omo Ologo” tees. Fans don’t just want to listen to you—they want to represent you. And in Nigeria’s style-forward culture, a dope merch piece becomes both a fashion statement and free promo. Don’t overthink the logistics either: start small, use print-on-demand services, or collaborate with young designers. You’re not just selling clothes—you’re selling culture.
3. Sync or Sink: Monetize Your Music Through Film/TV
Let’s talk about one of the most criminally underrated income sources in music: sync licensing. If you’ve ever watched a Nollywood scene where the girl is crying, and some soft guitar plays in the background, just know somebody got paid for that. That “somebody” could be you.
With the rise of YouTube movies, Netflix originals, and Showmax dramas, Nigerian visual content is booming and they’re all hungry for original, emotion-rich music. Sync licensing lets filmmakers legally use your song in their content, and you get paid for both upfront usage and backend royalties.
You don’t even need to have a hit single. As long as your sound is clean, well-produced, and fits a mood, you’re in. The key is registering your work properly (hello, publishing rights), pitching to music supervisors, and keeping your ear close to what’s trending in visual storytelling.
4. The Influencer Is You — Monetize Your Brand
Stop acting like you’re “just an artist.” You are a whole brand. Your fashion sense, your skits, your tweet-style, your love for amala—all of it is content.
Leverage your personality into creator partnerships. Brands want artists with character, not just numbers. Whether it’s a skincare collab, sneaker brand shout-out, or even hosting gigs, your lifestyle can make money before the music does. Don’t just drop songs—build a persona.
5. Run the Writing Room
You don’t have to be in the spotlight to make a killing. Plenty of Nigerian songwriters are eating good behind the scenes. That catchy hook on a top 10 jam? Somebody ghostwrote that—and got paid for it.
If you’ve got pen game, consider writing for other artists, jingles, campaign ads, or even church music (yes, seriously). A hit penned for someone else can put you on retainer, introduce you to high-level A&Rs, and most importantly—secure that publishing coin.
6. Score Corporate Bags (Don’t Sleep on Brand Collabs)
Corporate Nigeria is obsessed with cool. And who’s cooler than a rising music star with a cult following? From fintechs to fashion houses, brands are looking for artists who align with their energy.
It could be a brand theme song, a campaign jingle, or a web series partnership. Just make sure your content and aesthetic is clean and intentional enough for a pitch deck. Create a media kit. Slide into DMs. Talk your talk. Corporates don’t always know what’s hot until you tell them.
7. Go Local: Weddings, Birthdays, and Billionaire Backyard Gigs
There’s a booming offline market no algorithm can touch: private events. You think that uncle with a Lekki mansion is checking Apple Music stats? No. But he’ll pay you ₦500K to serenade his daughter’s wedding for 20 minutes.
Get in touch with event planners, DJs, and MCs who can plug you into these kinds of gigs. Be professional, be ready to perform a variety of music if needed, and you’ll have consistent income far from the streaming struggle.
8. Create an Online Music Course or Workshop
You don’t need to be Don Jazzy to teach others what you know. Maybe you’re a beast at harmonies. Or your vocal warm-ups are God-tier. Or you’ve mastered Logic Pro better than most. Whatever your niche, turn it into a knowledge product.
Offer vocal coaching, songwriting clinics, beat-making workshops, or even “How to Release Music in Nigeria 101.” Platforms like Selar or Teachable make it easy to launch. Education is a business, and your talent has lessons in it.
9. Crowdfunding and Fan Support: Give Them a Reason
Nigerian fans will support you—if you make them feel like part of something. Create fan funding systems using platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or even a simple bank transfer model. In return, offer exclusives: unreleased songs, behind-the-scenes videos, or personalized voice notes.
This isn’t just “begging”—it’s community building. If you frame it right, it becomes a membership club. And trust, your most loyal fans want to help. Give them a door.
10. Licensing for Ads, Skits, and Creators
Not every sync opportunity is a Netflix deal. Sometimes it’s an IG skit, a YouTube vlog, or a TikTok challenge. Many content creators are looking for music that doesn’t get them flagged for copyright. Be the plug.
Upload your music to platforms that cater to creators, like Artlist, Epidemic Sound, or even Soundstripe. Better yet, build your own creator licensing catalog, with clear permissions. You’d be shocked how many comedians and content producers are tired of searching for clean, vibey sounds.
In conclusion, Streaming might be the face of music right now, but in Nigeria? It’s barely the neck. Music artists must understand that it is imperative to get creative. Build relationships, treat yourself like a brand, diversify your offerings, and understand that if you are to feed off your craft, then music becomes bait—your business is everything around it.
Spotify payouts may be playing hide and seek, but your revenue streams don’t have to. Go get your bag. Streams or no streams.
