Nigerian singer Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has once again made headlines after being officially recognized as the number one female Afrobeats artist of the year by global streaming giant, Spotify. This milestone comes as no surprise to fans and industry watchers, as the “Rush” crooner has consistently dominated charts, airwaves, and international stages over the past year.
Ayra Starr, who rose to prominence under Mavin Records, has steadily built her brand as one of Afrobeats’ most powerful voices. With her unique fusion of Afropop, R&B, and contemporary African sounds, she has become a beacon of inspiration for young women in music and a symbol of Nigeria’s growing influence on global pop culture.
Spotify’s announcement not only highlights her exceptional artistry but also solidifies her place as one of the leading female musicians shaping Afrobeats into a global phenomenon. The recognition reflects the immense reception of her music across multiple continents, ranging from Africa to Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Spotify ranks top Afrobeats voices
In its official statement, Spotify praised the “Sabi Girl” for her consistency, describing Ayra Starr as “the pop star of Afrobeats.” According to the platform, her ability to blend youthful energy with meaningful storytelling makes her a standout voice of her generation. The data-driven ranking was compiled from streaming numbers, playlists, and fan engagement worldwide.
Ayra Starr secured the number one spot on the list of top five female Afrobeats artists, followed closely by Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, who came in second. Tems, widely celebrated for her soulful vocals and international collaborations, continues to shine as one of Africa’s most recognizable global exports.
American-Cameroonian sensation Libianca, who broke into the mainstream with her viral hit “People,” claimed the third position. Malian-French superstar Aya Nakamura, known for blending Afro-influences into French pop, was ranked fourth, while British-Nigerian rapper and singer Darkoo completed the top five.
Surprisingly, South Africa’s breakout star Tyla, who has recently dominated global charts with her award-winning Afrobeats-inspired hits, was absent from the rankings, sparking conversations among fans and industry observers.
Nigerian dominance in Latin America
Spotify’s ranking also spotlighted Afrobeats’ growing impact in Latin America, a region that has quickly embraced the sound. In the newly unveiled Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America list, Nigerian artists once again proved their dominance.
Award-winning artist Rema, whose global hit “Calm Down” continues to break streaming records, claimed the number one spot. Ayra Starr followed closely in second, reflecting her increasing fan base across Spanish-speaking countries. CKay, famous for his chart-topping track “Love Nwantiti,” secured the third spot, while Afrobeats icons Burna Boy and Wizkid rounded out the list in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Spotify emphasized that Afrobeats has become one of the most streamed and celebrated African genres in Latin America, describing it as a “cultural export that is reshaping the global music scene and building bridges between continents.”
A global breakthrough for Afrobeats
Ayra Starr’s remarkable achievement is a testament to the global breakthrough of Afrobeats. Once considered a niche sound celebrated mainly within Africa, the genre has now evolved into a global force, commanding attention on international stages and music charts.
Her rapid rise mirrors the success of other Nigerian trailblazers like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Rema, who continue to set milestones for African music. Ayra’s increasing global tours, festival appearances, and impressive streaming numbers have proven that her influence extends beyond just music — she represents a cultural movement led by young Africans making their mark on the world.
With streaming platforms like Spotify providing access to global audiences, Afrobeats stars are not only enjoying widespread recognition but also redefining the sound of modern pop. As Ayra Starr, Tems, Rema, Burna Boy, and others push boundaries, they are ensuring Nigeria remains at the heart of Afrobeats’ innovation, creativity, and global growth.
Ayra Starr’s number one ranking is therefore more than just an accolade; it is a celebration of her journey, the power of Afrobeats, and the undeniable influence of African artists on the world stage.