Ayra Starr becomes Africa’s top musician on Spotify with 25 million monthly listeners

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At a Glance

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• Ayra Starr tops Spotify with 25.02 million monthly listeners, surpassing Tyla, Rema, and Burna Boy.
• Her 2024 breakthrough includes a GRAMMY nomination for “Rush” and global chart success with her album The Year I Turned 21.
• Ayra Starr’s album “The Year I Turned 21” topped charts in multiple countries, including a No. 1 spot in Nigeria and No. 195 on the Billboard 200.

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Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr is closing out 2024 as Africa’s biggest artist on Spotify, with 25.02 million monthly listeners. The 22-year-old has surpassed peers like South Africa’s Tyla (23 million), Rema (20.96 million), and Burna Boy (19.18 million), reflecting her dominance.

This milestone adds another feather to the cap of the Mavin Records signee, who continues to break boundaries and redefine Afrobeats on the global stage. Hits like “Rush,” with over 420 million streams, and her standout feature on “Santa” have propelled her to the forefront of the music scene, solidifying her reputation as a global music icon.

A breakthrough year

Ayra Starr’s achievements in 2024 extend far beyond Spotify. Earlier in the year, she made history as the youngest nominee in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 GRAMMYs, with her hit single “Rush” earning a spot as a contender. Although she didn’t win, the nomination highlighted her growing influence and solidified her position as a rising force in the global music industry.

Building on this momentum, Ayra Starr released her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” a project that has been both a commercial and critical triumph. The album leverages the success of her earlier works, including her breakout 2021 EP “Ayra Starr” and her debut album “19 & Dangerous.” This project has achieved impressive milestones on international charts, peaking at No. 89 on the Canadian Albums chart, No. 72 on France’s SNEP Albums chart, and No. 80 on the UK’s Official Charts Company (OCC) Albums chart.

At home in Nigeria, “The Year I Turned 21” dominated the charts, securing the No. 1 spot on the TurnTable Albums chart. Across the Atlantic, the record broke new ground as the first album by a female Nigerian artist to debut on the Billboard 200, landing at No. 195. Furthermore, it soared to No. 4 on the Billboard World Albums chart, cementing Ayra Starr’s reputation as a global artist with wide-ranging appeal.

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Pioneering new heights

This year, Ayra Starr’s achievements have set a new benchmark for African artists on the global stage. In June, she made history as the first female Nigerian artist to chart on the Billboard 200, a feat that coincided with her groundbreaking selection as Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artist—the first Afrobeats singer to receive the prestigious honor.

This recognition was further amplified by the release of “Dare to Dream”, an exclusive documentary on Amazon Music that chronicles Starr’s meteoric rise. The film delves into her journey from a promising talent in Nigeria to an internationally celebrated powerhouse, capturing the resilience and creativity that have propelled her to the forefront of the music scene.

Global domination

With electrifying performances and a distinctive blend of confidence and talent, Ayra Starr continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her critically acclaimed set at Afro Nation solidified her as a must-watch performer, further establishing her as a force in the global music scene.

As Ayra Starr wraps up 2024, her rise shows no signs of slowing. She has claimed the Spotify crown and expanded the boundaries of what it means to be an African artist on the global stage. The Nigerian starlet stands poised to redefine the future of Afrobeats, her success serving as a testament to her unmatched artistry and enduring influence.