Ayra Starr has reached another significant milestone in her flourishing career, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 1 billion total views on YouTube.
This achievement places her in the elite company of Nigerian music heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Ckay, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel, Tekno, P-Square, Flavour, and Fireboy—artists who have each crossed the billion-view mark on the platform.
At the heart of this digital triumph is her Grammy-nominated hit single ‘Rush’, which alone has amassed over 450 million views on YouTube. The track stands as the most-viewed Afrobeats music video by a Nigerian female artist and one of the genre’s most globally recognised visuals.
Since its release in September 2022, Rush has not only dominated streaming platforms but also made waves internationally. It earned Ayra Starr a platinum certification in the UK, where she made history as the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100 chart.
Her momentum in 2025 has been equally impressive. In April, she dropped a high-profile collaboration, ‘Gimme Dat’ featuring Wizkid. The track, released on April 25, 2025, draws from Wyclef Jean’s classics Diallo and 911 (featuring Mary J. Blige), blending nostalgia with a modern Afrobeats twist.
Earlier in the year, Ayra Starr won two MOBO Awards, further solidifying her reputation as one of Africa’s most prominent global stars. She also expanded her trophy shelf at the 17th Headies Awards, where she took home the award for Best R&B Single for Last Heartbreak Song, her collaboration with American artist Giveon.
With her YouTube milestone and a growing list of international accolades, Ayra Starr continues to chart new territory, reinforcing her position as a trailblazer for female artists in Afrobeats.
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