Ayra Starr Becomes First Nigerian Female Artist to Hit 1 Billion Views on YouTube
Ayra Starr sets a new record as the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube, beating Yemi Alade’s previous milestone. Her hit single 'Rush' leads the charge.
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to hit 1 billion total views on YouTube, shattering the previous record held by Yemi Alade, who stood at 805 million views.
The 23-year-old Mavin Records star’s rise to the digital elite places her in the company of Nigerian giants like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Ckay, Fireboy, and others—each of whom has crossed the billion-view threshold on the platform.
'Rush' Powers Global Fame
At the core of this milestone is Ayra Starr’s Grammy-nominated global hit "Rush", which alone has racked up over 450 million views, becoming the most-watched Afrobeats video by a Nigerian female artist.
Released in September 2022, the track exploded on both African and international charts. It earned Ayra Starr a platinum certification in the UK, where she became the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100 chart.
A New Era for Nigerian Women in Music
This achievement marks a transformative moment for women in Nigerian music, showcasing Ayra Starr’s crossover appeal and the growing global appetite for Afrobeats led by powerful female voices.
Fans and industry stakeholders have taken to social media to celebrate the star’s milestone, praising her artistry, style, and global impact.
As Ayra Starr continues to break boundaries, her billion-view success solidifies her status as not just a rising star, but a trailblazer redefining the future of Afrobeats on the global stage.
