It’s been a stellar year for the Canadian popstar Drake in the British charts and his prominence has been highlighted by being named as Spotify’s most streamed artist of 2016 in the United Kingdom. Despite hot competition for the top spot from the likes of fellow musical superstar Justin Bieber, Drake was also confirmed as the number one in the world list with around 4.7 billion streams during the year.
Drake’s “One Dance” topped the charts
Drake – who also topped the world streaming lists last year – can do little wrong it seems these days. The 30-year-old, Toronto-born singer, songwriter and record producer launched his fourth studio album “Views” early in 2016, from which the track “One Dance” became a worldwide number one hit and dancefloor filler.
Not only did his infectious sound prove immensely popular in his homeland and across the border in America, but “One Dance” also topped the charts in the UK, Germany, France and even Australia.
Streaming grows in importance
His dominance on the streaming charts was evidenced by the prized achievement of both the top spot for an album (“Views”) and a song (“One Dance”). Streaming continues to grow in importance as an option for savouring musical output, a factor highlighted when you consider that Drake had attracted “only” 1.8 billion streams in 2015.
Rihanna matched her “Work” collaborator
The most-streamed female for the year was a somewhat predictable source, with Rihanna’s admirers backing her undoubted talent to the mammoth tune of 2.5 billion streams.
The “Umbrella” and “Work” (which also featured Drake) chart-topper held off the lofty claims of Ariana Grande and Britain’s finest Adele.
Bieber in the news again
Bieber may have failed to oust his compatriot from the streaming top spot, but the 22-year-old seems to be continuing to make the headlines elsewhere. His latest complaint has been directed at the social networking service Instagram, which he referred to recently as being “for the devil.”
His London stage appearance was punctuated by comparing the online mobile photo- and video- sharing app to “hell”, as Bieber added “I’m like 90% sure.”
Instagram return not in his plans
After originally quitting Instagram back in August this year, the star had initially insisted that he had no plans to backtrack and utilise its services again.
Despite a brief return to the fold just two weeks later, it seems that his stance has hardened against the popular service and his decision seems set to disappoint the legion of Bieber devotees.
Chart success continues
Not that Bieber has too much to complain about in terms of chart success, with the tracks “Sorry” and “Love Yourself” both climbing to the dizzy heights of number one in both the UK and the highly lucrative American market in the last few years.
