Nigerian singer Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has officially been crowned the number one female Afrobeats artist of the past year by global streaming giant, Spotify.
The announcement solidifies her place as one of the most powerful voices of the Afrobeats wave, showcasing Nigeria’s stronghold on the global music scene.
Spotify Names Ayra Starr “Pop Star of Afrobeats”
Spotify described Ayra Starr, the hitmaker behind the global anthem “Rush”, as “the pop star of Afrobeats.” She secured the top spot on the newly released Top Five Female Afrobeats Artists ranking.
- Ayra Starr – No. 1
- Tems – No. 2
- Libianca – No. 3
- Aya Nakamura – No. 4
- Darkoo – No. 5
However, in a surprising twist, South African sensation Tyla was missing from the list despite dominating recent Afrobeats award ceremonies.
Nigerian Stars Take Over Latin America
Beyond the female-focused chart, Spotify also revealed the Top Five Afrobeats Artists in Latin America—with Nigerians once again leading the pack.
- Rema took the crown in first place.
- Ayra Starr followed in second.
- CKay came in third.
- Burna Boy and Wizkid secured fourth and fifth place respectively.
Spotify emphasized that Afrobeats has become a major cultural export, reshaping the global music industry and capturing new audiences in regions like Latin America.
A Global Breakthrough for Afrobeats
Ayra Starr’s recognition reflects the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats from regional sound to global mainstream. With her impressive streaming numbers, international tours, and chart success, she represents the new wave of Nigerian artists—alongside Tems, Rema, Burna Boy, and Wizkid—who are pushing African music to new heights.
Nigeria’s dominance in Afrobeats continues to position the country as the heartbeat of global music innovation and cultural influence.
