Chike Alleges Manipulation of Apple Music Nigeria Charts via Paid Promotions

Nigerian singer Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, known simply as Chike, has alleged that the Apple Music Nigeria top songs chart is frequently manipulated, claiming that the Top 10 and Top 20 lists are often rigged through paid promotions.

In an interview on the show Curiosity Made Me Ask, hosted by content creator Bae U Barbie, Chike stated that artists can influence their chart rankings by paying to boost their streams. “Your Top 10 and Top 20 on Apple Music is rigged… Not all the time, to be fair, but most times,” he admitted, recognizing that there are some exceptions.

Chike explained that the music industry’s push for visibility has led artists and their teams to invest in chart placements to enhance their exposure.

He noted, “Right now, if I want to be in the top 10 on Apple Music, I can tell my team, ‘Okay, please spend $30,000,’ and we’ll make it to the top 10. But then, it’s not real.”

He emphasized that while some chart positions are earned organically, many of the top spots are purchased, favoring artists with larger promotional budgets.

“And don’t get me wrong, not everybody. But most times that’s actually what’s going on. So I’m not going to be spending to compete against people who have more money than me,” Chike added.