Ayra Starr has officially made history. The 21-year-old Afrobeats singer and songwriter has become the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube, setting a new benchmark for female musicians in the African music industry.
This achievement places her among Nigeria’s most streamed artists globally, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, CKay, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel, Tekno, P-Square, and Flavour, all of whom had previously crossed the billion-view milestone. Now, Ayra Starr joins this elite club as the first woman to do so.
“Rush” Powers Ayra Starr’s YouTube Milestone
At the center of this success is Ayra’s breakout hit, “Rush”. The song has amassed over 450 million views, making it the most-watched music video by a Nigerian female artist on YouTube. Released in 2022, the track gained rapid international attention, solidifying her status as a breakout star.
“Rush” not only dominated streaming platforms but also broke barriers. It earned her a platinum certification in the UK. It made her the first Nigerian female solo artist to debut on the UK Official Top 100 chart.
Ayra Starr is not slowing down. In 2025, she released the highly anticipated single “Gimme Dat”, featuring Afrobeats legend Wizkid. The track dropped on April 25, 2025, and samples iconic hits by Wyclef Jean, including “Diallo” and “911” featuring Mary J. Blige.
Award Wins and Global Recognition
Ayra Starr’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed in the awards space. At the 2025 MOBO Awards, she took home two awards, underlining her rising international profile.
She also claimed a Headies Award for Best R&B Single for her collaboration with American artist Giveon on the emotional ballad “Last Heartbreak Song”. These recognitions reinforce her position as one of the most versatile and globally recognized Nigerian artists of her generation.
Breaking Barriers for Female Artists in Afrobeats
Ayra Starr’s billion-view milestone marks a historic moment for female representation in Afrobeats. Until now, Nigerian female artists rarely reached such heights on global platforms. Ayra’s success proves that the narrative is changing.
She’s part of a new wave of young African female musicians commanding international attention, not by conforming, but by being unapologetically themselves.
Ayra Starr’s Cultural Impact and Global Reach
The impact of her success goes beyond YouTube. Ayra is influencing how the world sees Afrobeats, female African artists, and Gen Z creativity. Her music blends English, Pidgin, and Yoruba seamlessly. Her sound speaks to both local fans and international audiences, and her visual storytelling on platforms like YouTube has played a major role in her global breakout.
With fans in the U.S., U.K., Latin America, and across Africa, Ayra Starr continues to redefine what’s possible for Nigerian women in music.
What’s Next for The Nigeria’s Fastest-Rising Female Star?
Ayra Starr’s journey is far from over. With more collaborations on the horizon, growing international media coverage, and a loyal fan base across continents, she is set to shape the next chapter of global Afrobeats.
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