Chike Claims Apple Music Nigeria Charts Are Compromised and Rigged

 

In a recent interview on the show Curiosity Made Me Ask, Nigerian singer Chike raised concerns about the integrity of the Apple Music Nigeria charts, claiming that the platform’s top songs rankings are often manipulated. He specifically pointed to the top 10 and top 20 charts as being "heavily rigged," although he acknowledged that there are exceptions to this trend.

Chike elaborated on his perspective, stating that the music industry increasingly revolves around visibility and promotion. He explained that with enough financial backing, artists can easily boost their positions on the charts. "Right now, if I want to be in the top 10 on Apple Music, I can tell my team to spend $30,000, and we will make it there," he revealed, emphasizing that such practices undermine the authenticity of the rankings.

Despite acknowledging that not every artist resorts to these tactics, Chike asserted that the prevalence of financial influence in chart placements is significant. He stated, “Your Top 10 and Top 20 on Apple Music is rigged… Not all the time to be fair, but most times.” He emphasized the competitive nature of the industry, noting that artists who lack substantial financial resources may find themselves at a disadvantage against those with more means.

Chike's comments shed light on ongoing debates about the legitimacy of music streaming charts and the impact of promotional spending on an artist's visibility and success. His insights call into question the fairness of the ranking system, prompting a broader discussion about the dynamics of promotion in the music industry.