Ayra Starr Makes History as First Nigerian Female Artist to Surpass 1 Billion YouTube Views

Ayra Starr has cemented her status as a trailblazer in Nigerian music by becoming the first female artist from the country to cross one billion cumulative views on YouTube. The Mavin Records singer, aged 21, joins an elite circle of Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and CKay, who have reached this milestone.

Her Grammy-nominated hit “Rush” was a major contributor to this achievement, garnering over 450 million views alone. Released in 2022, the track propelled Ayra Starr into the global spotlight and has since earned significant certifications: Platinum in the UK, Diamond in France, and multi-Platinum in Nigeria, Canada, and New Zealand.

“Rush” also marked a career milestone by earning Ayra her first solo appearance on the UK Official Top 100 chart. The single’s viral momentum was fueled by her Gen Z fanbase and a strategic digital rollout led by her label, Mavin Records.

Since debuting with her self-titled EP in 2021, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr—has developed a signature sound that fuses Afrobeats with pop, soul, and R&B, resonating with a global audience. She now ranks among the most followed African artists on Spotify, boasting more than 4.8 million followers as of May 2025.

Her ascent has continued with a steady stream of hit records and collaborations, including “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, released in April 2025. The song, which samples Wyclef Jean’s classics “Diallo” and “911,” has rapidly gained momentum across digital platforms.

Ayra’s accolades have also grown. At the latest MOBO Awards, she secured two wins, and her track “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon earned her the Best R&B Single at the 17th Headies Awards.

Surpassing one billion YouTube views is more than a streaming milestone—it underscores the digital revolution reshaping African music and the increasing prominence of female artists on the global stage.

Ayra Starr’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but a cultural landmark, reflecting the expanding global appeal of Nigerian women in music. Her rise is a compelling example of how digital-first platforms, loyal communities, and genre innovation are rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for African talent.

With each accomplishment, Ayra Starr continues to elevate the Afrobeats genre and paves the way for a new generation of artists ready to follow her lead.