Turns out, Nigerians are streaming more tears than roses this season.
According to new data from Spotify, heartbreak — not romance — dominated Nigerians’ playlists in the build-up to Valentine’s Day.
The platform revealed a massive surge in “yearn playlists,” jumping 305% from 2024 to 2025, and rising another 170% from 2025 to 2026. Mood-led listening around longing, vulnerability and emotional recovery outpaced traditional love songs.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, says Valentine’s Day in Nigeria is no longer just about romance — it’s about embracing complicated emotions.
Gen Z (18–24) is leading the trend, with nearly 60% leaning toward heartbreak tracks, compared to about 40% choosing love songs. Interestingly, men account for over 65% of heartbreak streams.
Geographically, Lagos tops the heartbreak chart, followed by Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan and Benin — showing how young Nigerians in major cities are using music to process love, loss and healing.
Even with the emotional vibes, listeners still connected through collaborative “Blend” playlists. Top shared tracks included:
Awolowo – by Fido
Juju – by OdumoduBlvck
Fi Kan We Kan – by Rema
Globally, even “Galentine” playlists rose over 70%, while faith-based podcasts and relationship conversations also trended — proving Valentine’s listening is now about love, friendship, spirituality, and self-reflection all at once.
In short? Nigerians aren’t just falling in love this Valentine’s — they’re feeling everything.
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