• 21 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

Gen Z and EDM Are Transforming Nigeria’s Nightlife Scene.

A new wave of sound and culture is emerging in Nigeria’s music and nightlife scene. E

lectronic Dance Music (EDM), propelled by young Nigerian DJs, music collectives, and a growing base of fans, is carving out space alongside the ever-dominant Afrobeats genre.

More than just a musical trend, EDM is reshaping the social dynamics of nightlife. Gen Z is embracing underground raves and curated events that prioritize openness, community, and self-expression over the exclusivity and status often associated with traditional nightclubs.

Spotify data reflects this growing interest. Over the past three years, EDM streaming in Nigeria has increased by 403%, with a 353% rise in user-created playlists. More than one million playlists now include electronic music curated by Nigerian listeners.

Afrobeats still maintains its popularity, even among EDM fans, but the current soundscape is evolving. Artists and producers are blending Afro rhythms with electronic elements, creating hybrid tracks like Particula, a collaboration between Major Lazer and artists like Patoranking, Ice Prince, Nasty C, Jidenna, and DJ Maphorisa.

Collectives such as Group Therapy and Element House are playing key roles in this movement, offering spaces where music and connection take precedence over social standing. In May, Spotify partnered with Group Therapy for an event that showcased the growing passion for electronic music in Nigeria.

Listeners aged 18 to 24 account for nearly half of EDM streams in the country, with major activity centered in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, described EDM as a genre that offers emotional freedom: “It’s a space where joy is valued over status. For many young Nigerians, EDM creates a moment to be fully present, immersed in sound, and free from societal pressures.”

Faith Kegh

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