Ayra Starr has become the first African artist to earn a Latin Diamond certification, and the 23-year-old Nigerian singer says she’s far from done.
Riding on the success of her cross-continental hit Santa—a collaboration with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro—the Afrobeats sensation says her next goals include topping the Billboard Hot 100, headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, and winning a Grammy Award.
“I’m going to get the Grammy, I’m going to get No.1 on Billboard Hot 100, and I’m going to perform at the Super Bowl,” she said in a bold declaration of her global ambitions.
The track Santa achieved Latin Diamond status after surpassing 35 million streams, a milestone certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The feat positions Ayra Starr as the first African to reach this level of recognition in the Latin music market—a rare crossover achievement in a space dominated by Spanish-speaking artists.
The Latin Diamond honour also puts Ayra in an elite category with fellow Nigerian star Rema, whose track Bubalu holds a Latin Platinum certification. Together, they stand as the only African artists to receive such distinctions from the RIAA.
Ayra Starr’s breakthrough reflects a growing trend of African musicians making waves in unexpected markets. Known for her soulful voice and genre-blending sound, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of Afrobeats with international collaborations and mainstream appeal.
Her recent success with Santa not only cements her as a force in global music but also reaffirms Africa’s growing influence on the international stage.
With her eyes set on the highest honours in music, Ayra Starr is proving that African artists are no longer content with regional dominance—they’re reaching for the world.
