Grammy-nominated Afrobeat superstar Ayra Starr has made history as the first Nigerian female artist to surpass one billion views on YouTube. The milestone was announced on her official Instagram fan page, highlighting her growing global influence and the widespread appeal of her music.
This remarkable achievement is largely driven by her hit single “Rush,” which alone has amassed over 458 million views, making it one of the most-watched Afrobeats videos on the platform. The success of “Rush” has earned Ayra Starr multiple accolades, including Platinum certification in the United Kingdom for surpassing 600,000 combined sales and streams, Diamond certification in France, and Platinum status in Canada, New Zealand, and Nigeria.
Ayra Starr, also known as the “Sabi Girl,” joins an elite group of Nigerian artists who have crossed the billion-view mark on YouTube, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Davido, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel, Tekno, P-Square, Flavour, and Fireboy.
Since her debut in 2021, the 22-year-old singer has continued to garner both local and international recognition. She is among the top-followed African artists on Spotify, boasting over 4.8 million followers. Her growing discography and collaborations, such as the 2025 single “Gimme Dat” with Wizkid, have further cemented her status as a leading voice in Afrobeats.
“Rush” also marked Ayra Starr’s debut on the UK Official Top 100 chart, making her the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this feat with a solo track. The song’s viral success propelled her to earn a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Ayra Starr’s continued rise underscores her role as a trailblazer for female representation in the Nigerian and global music scenes, setting new standards for success and influence in Afrobeats.
