Global music streaming giant Spotify has named Nigerian singer Ayra Starr as the biggest female Afrobeats artist over the past 12 months, highlighting her meteoric rise and significant impact on the genre. Described by Spotify as “the pop star of Afrobeats,” Ayra Starr has solidified her position as one of the fastest-growing voices in African music worldwide.
Ayra Starr, whose real name is Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, outpaced notable contemporaries including Grammy-winning artist Tems, Cameroon-born Libianca, French-Malian star Aya Nakamura, and British-Nigerian Darkoo. Her dynamic sound, blending Afropop with bold Gen Z energy, has captured the imagination of listeners across continents.
Her streaming numbers tell a compelling story: millions of monthly listeners, billions of streams across multiple hit songs such as “Away,” “Bloody Samaritan,” and “Rush,” and a fan base known affectionately as “Mobstarrs.” Ayra’s influence extends beyond music, as she embodies a new wave of African female artists descending from pioneers like Tiwa Savage and Simi, bringing fresh narratives and empowering messages.
Spotify also noted Ayra Starr’s notable achievements in Latin America and Europe, where she has become a cultural ambassador for Nigerian music. This recognition by Spotify not only highlights her commercial success but also underscores Nigeria’s dominant role in shaping and exporting Afrobeats globally.
As the Afrobeats genre continues its global ascendance, Ayra Starr’s recognition propels her as a leading figure in music’s new era, inspiring a generation of young African artists to stake their claim on the world stage.
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