Africa
Ayra Starr Becomes Most Followed African Female Artist on Spotify

Ayra Starr has officially made history on the global music stage, becoming the most followed African female artist on Spotify, crossing a groundbreaking milestone of 5 million followers on the platform.
The Gen Z Afropop sensation continues to soar in popularity, carving a record-breaking path that’s turning global heads.
With an impressive 2.7 billion total streams across all her credits, Ayra Starr’s Spotify success cements her status as one of the leading voices in African music today.
Her breakout hit “Santa” alone has racked up over 707 million streams, while her viral anthem “Rush” continues its reign with more than 474 million streams two tracks that have helped fuel her meteoric rise.
Ayra Starr’s latest achievement doesn’t just add another trophy to her growing collection it redefines what’s possible for African female artists on global platforms.
She is now the most followed African woman on Spotify, overtaking some of the continent’s biggest names in streaming.
However, in total streams, Tems still holds the edge.
With an incredible 3.8 billion streams, Tems remains the most streamed African female artist overall.
But Starr’s rapidly growing fanbase and follower count signal a shift in global attention, and her rise shows no signs of slowing down.
In February 2025, Spotify recognized Ayra Starr as the leading artist on its Global Impact List, a prestigious honor that celebrates artists shaping the future of global music.
The recognition came after “Santa” was named one of the Top 30 Most Played Nigerian Songs Worldwide on the platform.
This distinction not only underscores Ayra’s global influence but also highlights the growing dominance of African music on international charts.
With streaming platforms bridging global cultures, Nigerian artists are taking center stage and Ayra Starr is at the front of that charge.
Ayra Starr isn’t just winning in music—she’s about to make her acting debut in Hollywood.
The singer has reportedly landed a role in the upcoming blockbuster adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, a fantasy epic based on the bestselling novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi.
Her foray into film marks the latest chapter in an already glittering career and demonstrates her versatility as an artist.
With a powerful voice, bold fashion style, and now on-screen presence, Ayra is fast becoming one of Africa’s most influential cultural explore.
Ayra Starr has also attracted major international collaborations, working with global stars like Rauw Alejandro and Giveon, and sharing chart space with heavyweights like Burna Boy and Tems.
As the lines between Afrobeats, pop, and global R&B continue to blur, she’s proving to be a key figure in that evolution.
Quick Stats:
- 5M+ Spotify Followers — Most for any African female artist
- 2.7B+ Streams across all credits
- “Santa” — 707M+ streams
- “Rush” — 474M+ streams
Ayra Starr is more than just a rising star she’s a force.
As she continues to shatter records and enter new arenas, she’s rewriting the playbook for African artists on the global stage.
With her momentum, streaming power, and international appeal, the world might just be witnessing the next global pop queen born in Lagos.
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