Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr has etched her name in history as the first female artist from Nigeria to surpass one billion views on YouTube.
This milestone places her among the elite ranks of Afrobeats heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Her widely celebrated hit “Rush” has contributed immensely to this achievement, with over 450 million views, making it the most-watched music video by a Nigerian female artist.
The success of “Rush” also earned her a platinum plaque in the UK and marked her as the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100 chart.
In 2025, Ayra Starr continued her global ascent with the release of “Gimme Dat,” a collaboration with Wizkid. The song, which samples Wyclef Jean’s classics “Diallo” and “911” featuring Mary J. Blige, has already attracted wide attention across the music world.
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Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, rose to prominence after signing with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. She first gained public attention in Nigeria with her 2021 debut hit “Away,” but it was the track “Bloody Samaritan” that solidified her status as a major force in the industry.
Since then, she has remained a powerhouse in African music, earning numerous accolades and recognition for her artistry.
She is widely known for her hit tracks such as “Away,” “Rush,” “Bloody Samaritan,” and “Last Heartbreak Song.”
