By TAIYE OLAYEMI

Spotify, an online streaming platform says John Legend, D’Banj, Banky W had emerged artistes with the most playlisted songs during the 2023 Valentine season.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub Saharan Africa, in a statement, on Tuesday said from its findings Nigerians were adding these musicians songs to their playlists in celebration of their loved ones.

Okumu noted that the 10 top love songs playlisted by Nigerians were “All of Me” by John Legend; “Make you Feel My Love” by Adele; “Just The Way You Are” by Burno Mars and “Fall in Love” by D’Banj.

She said others were: “Like I’m Gonna Lose You (fest Johm Legend) by Meghan Trainor; “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur; “Yes or No” by Banky W; “Stay With Me” by Sam Smith; “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran.

“The 10 top love songs playlisted globally are: “All of Me” by John Legend; “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran; “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars; “My Girl” by Tbe Temptations and “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston.

“Also we have “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley; “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran; ” Make You Feel My Love” by Adele; ” A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and “At Last” by Etta.

“Classic love jams from the past decade by icons like John Legend, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith are quick and easy favourites that feature among Nigerians’ most playlisted love songs, a trend that is consistent on the global scale.

”They sit side-by-side with familiar classics by Nigerian icons, D’Banj and Banky W, which feature prominently on the list as well,” she said.

She added that John Legend’s All of Me was the favourite love song in Nigeria, a position it also took globally.

She further added that from first dates, to Tiktoks and proposals, “All Of Me” had been a global lovers’ favourite since it was released.

Okumu noted that according to Spotify data, Nigerians had strong appreciation for John Legend’s soulful lyrics, as this was not his only appearance on the list.

She said Legend also shared a top ten position with Meghan Trainor on her song, “Loke I’m Ginna Lose You”.

“Afrobeats, our grand cultural export, is effusive in its adoration of a love interest, so it’s no surprise that D’Banj’s “Fall in Love” is one of the favourite love songs for Nigerians.

“Another decade-old classic, “Yes/No” by Banky W, is joined by more recent favourites, Runtown’s “Mad Over You” and Simi’s “Joromi” proofed that Nigerians love to express their love in familiar language,” she said. (NAN)

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