Music & Artistes

Sarz Explains Stark Nigeria, US Streaming Revenue Gap

Published on February 27, 2026

Sarz explains streaming revenue gap between Nigeria and the US, citing economic challenges and low subscription rates

Nigerian music producer Sarz, born Osabuohien Osaretin, has explained why artists earn significantly less from streams in Nigeria compared with Western countries, citing economic realities and subscription costs.

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Sarz made the remarks while speaking on the Afropolitan podcast, where he addressed the persistent imbalance in global streaming revenues.

The award winning producer said one million streams in the United States could generate between 3,000 dollars and 5,000 dollars.

By contrast, he said the same number of streams in Nigeria might earn between 300 dollars and 500 dollars.

Sarz explained that the disparity exists despite the fact that marketing and promotional costs in Nigeria often mirror those abroad.

“A million streams from the United States is maybe 3,000 to 5,000 dollars. That same one million streams from Nigeria is arguably maybe 300 to 500 dollars, but it will cost you the same amount to market or promote a song in Nigeria as much as it would cost you abroad,” Sarz said.

Sarz noted that stronger Western economies enable subscribers to pay higher fees for premium streaming services, which in turn increases artist payouts.

He added that many Nigerians consume music but cannot afford paid subscriptions due to economic hardship.

“I mean, people are streaming music. The people that cannot stream cannot afford it. But people listen to music across the country, and if they cannot afford streaming, it just means that they do not have the money to,” Sarz said.

Sarz said improvements in Nigeria’s economic conditions would ultimately help bridge the revenue gap and empower music consumers.

“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 added.