Ayra Starr Becomes First Nigerian Female Artist to Hit 1 Billion Views on YouTube
In another remarkable career milestone, Ayra Starr has officially surpassed 1 billion total views on YouTube, making her the first Nigerian female artist to reach this impressive landmark.
This achievement places her among an elite group of Nigerian superstars who have crossed the billion-view threshold on the platform. She now stands alongside Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, CKay, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel, Tekno, P-Square, Flavour, and Fireboy DML—an indication of her swift rise in global music.
Ayra Starr’s billion-view feat is powered in large part by the enduring popularity of her Grammy-nominated hit single “Rush,” which currently boasts over 450 million views on YouTube. Released in September 2022, “Rush” quickly became a global Afrobeats anthem. It earned her a UK Platinum plaque and holds the record as the most viewed music video by a Nigerian female artist, making it one of the genre’s most successful exports.
The song’s success also led Ayra Starr to become the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100, further cementing her growing global influence.
2025 has already proven to be a major year for the singer. She began the year with a historic win of two MOBO Awards, reinforcing her position as one of Africa’s biggest stars on the international stage. She also picked up another Headies Award for Best R&B Single with “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon.
On April 25, 2025, Ayra Starr released her latest single, “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid. The track samples Wyclef Jean’s classics “Diallo” and “911” featuring Mary J. Blige, and is already drawing attention for its blend of nostalgia and modern Afropop.
Ayra Starr’s achievement of 1 billion YouTube views is not just a personal victory—it’s a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian women in music. As she continues to break barriers and set records, her journey reflects the rising global influence of Afrobeats and signals a future where more female African artists take center stage.
