Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to surpass one billion views on YouTube, marking a significant milestone not only for her career but also for women in Afrobeats and African music.
The 21-year-old singer, whose real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, rose to fame in 2021 under Mavin Records, spearheaded by music mogul Don Jazzy. Since then, she has steadily climbed the charts with hits like “Rush,” “Bloody Samaritan,” and “Sability”, gaining global attention for her unique sound and powerful visuals.
Her breakout hit “Rush” alone has amassed over 300 million views, becoming a viral anthem across multiple countries and securing her place on international charts, including the UK Official Singles Chart and Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Chart.
The song’s success has been amplified by her consistent release of high-quality visuals, collaborations, and compelling stage performances.
READ ALSO: Ayra Starr earns UK platinum for ‘Rush’
In achieving this feat, Ayra Starr joins the ranks of other top Nigerian global acts like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have individually crossed the one billion mark on YouTube — but she is the first woman from Nigeria to do so.
The singer recently released her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” which has received widespread critical acclaim for its maturity, genre-blending creativity, and lyrical depth. The project features collaborations with international stars like Giveon and Seyi Vibez, further expanding her global reach.
Fans and industry colleagues have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, hailing the singer’s achievement as a turning point for Nigerian women in music. Many see her rise as a beacon of hope for female representation in the male-dominated Afrobeats industry.
Ayra Starr is currently on a world tour promoting her new album and is expected to perform at several major music festivals in Europe and North America later this year.
NAN
