Ayra Starr Tops Spotify’s List of Female Afrobeats Artists

Nigerian singer Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has been named the number one female Afrobeats artist of the past year, according to global streaming giant Spotify.

The “Rush” hitmaker was described by the platform as “the pop star of Afrobeats,” a recognition that cements her role as one of the genre’s most powerful voices on the international stage.

Spotify’s Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists

1. Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

2. Tems (Nigeria)

3. Libianca (US/Cameroon)

4. Aya Nakamura (Mali/France)

5. Darkoo (UK/Nigeria)

Notably absent from the list was South African singer Tyla, despite her recent success at Afrobeats award shows.

Afrobeats Takes Over Latin America

Spotify also revealed the Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America, where Nigerians once again dominated:

• Rema led the chart, followed by Ayra Starr in second place.

• CKay came third, while Burna Boy and Wizkid rounded out the list in fourth and fifth positions.

The platform highlighted Afrobeats as a “cultural export reshaping the global music scene,” noting the genre’s rapid rise in Latin America and beyond.

A Global Breakthrough

Ayra Starr’s latest achievement underscores Afrobeats’ transformation from a regional sound into a global mainstream movement. Her streaming numbers, international tours, and chart success mirror the impact of fellow Nigerian stars like Tems, Rema, and Burna Boy, who continue to push African music across borders.

With platforms like Spotify amplifying their reach, Nigerian artists are firmly positioning the country as the epicenter of Afrobeats innovation and growth.