Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to cross 1 billion views on YouTube, a milestone that cements her status as one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars.
The 23-year-old singer, whose rise to stardom has been both rapid and remarkable, has now overtaken fellow Nigerian artist Yemi Alade, who previously held the record with 805 million views.
Ayra Starr’s digital dominance places her among an elite group of Nigerian artists—including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Ckay—who have each reached the billion-view mark on the platform.
At the centre of her success is the Grammy-nominated hit ‘Rush’, which alone has garnered over 450 million views. Released in September 2022, the track has become the most-watched Afrobeats video by a Nigerian female artist and one of the genre’s most globally recognised visuals.
The song’s international appeal was further confirmed when it earned Ayra Starr a platinum certification in the UK, making her the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100 chart.
With her blend of charisma, vocal talent, and global reach, Ayra Starr continues to redefine what is possible for Nigerian women in the music industry.
