Ayra Starr Hits New Milestone in Music Career, Becomes First Nigerian Female Artist to Reach 1 Billion YouTube Views
Lagos, May 26, 2025 – Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Ayra Starr has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to surpass one billion total views on YouTube. This landmark feat cements her status as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and adds to her growing list of international achievements.
Record-Breaking Views and Streaming Success
The 22-year-old Mavin Records star’s massive global appeal is driven largely by her Grammy-nominated hit single “Rush,” which alone has amassed over 450 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most viewed Afrobeats videos by a Nigerian female artist. The song also earned her a Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom in May 2025, having surpassed 600,000 combined sales and streams.
Ayra Starr now joins an elite group of Nigerian artists—including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and others—who have crossed the billion-view threshold on YouTube.
On Spotify, she boasts over 4.8 million followers, ranking among the most followed African artists on the platform. Her digital footprint continues to expand rapidly since her debut in 2021.
Awards and Global Recognition
Earlier in the year, Ayra Starr made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards in the UK by winning two major categories: Best International Act and Best African Music Act, becoming the first African female artist to win the former and the first female winner in 16 years for the latter.
She also leads African nominees at the 2025 BET Awards with three nominations, including Best New Artist, Best International Act, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, highlighting her rising global influence.
Recent Releases and Collaborations
In April 2025, Ayra Starr released the single “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, which samples Wyclef Jean’s classics and showcases her evolving sound that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. She has collaborated with international stars like Kelly Rowland, Stormzy, and David Guetta, further broadening her global reach.
Impact and Future Prospects
Ayra Starr’s breakthrough represents a significant moment for Nigerian female artists on the global stage, breaking barriers and setting new records. Known as the “Sabi Girl,” her unique style and powerful vocals continue to attract fans worldwide, making her a dominant force in contemporary Afrobeat music.
