Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first female artist from Nigeria to reach 1 billion views on YouTube.
The 22-year-old singer, whose real name is Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, hit the milestone thanks to the global success of her hit song Rush, which alone has more than 458 million views.
“This is a big moment for me and for African female artists everywhere,” Ayra Starr said in a statement shared by the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
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The Mavin Records singer, also known as “Sabi Girl,” joins top Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Kizz Daniel, who have each crossed the 1 billion mark on YouTube.
Her song Rush has brought her global fame. It earned her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance and also went Platinum in the UK in May 2025 after selling over 600,000 copies.
Since her debut in 2021, Ayra Starr has continued to grow her fanbase. As of May 2025, she has over 4.8 million followers on Spotify, placing her among the most followed African artists on the platform.
Music lovers and industry watchers say Ayra Starr’s success shows how powerful digital platforms like YouTube and Spotify have become in shaping music careers.
“Her rise proves that young African women can lead on the world stage. She’s not just breaking records; she’s changing the game,” said one music analyst.
Ayra Starr’s journey reflects a shift in the music industry, where streaming numbers, viral videos, and online fans are just as important as radio airplay and live shows.
With a growing global audience, Ayra Starr is helping to put Afrobeats and African female talent in the spotlight.