Ayra Starr Becomes First African Female Artist to Hit 5 Million Spotify Followers
Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has officially entered the history books — becoming the first African female artist to surpass 5 million followers on Spotify, the global music streaming platform.
The “Rush” crooner, signed to Mavin Records, achieved the milestone this week, a testament to her growing global influence and unstoppable rise in the Afrobeats genre.
While Ayra Starr now leads in follower count among African female artists, she still trails behind Tems when it comes to total Spotify streams. Ayra currently boasts 2.7 billion streams across all credits, compared to Tems’ 3.8 billion — a difference that underscores how both artists are uniquely pushing boundaries in their own lanes.
Her most streamed track on the platform is “Santa,” with over 707 million streams, while her hit single “Rush” continues to hold strong with 474 million streams and counting.
💭 Opinion: Ayra Starr Is No Longer the Future – She’s the Now
With her bold sound, youthful energy, and genre-bending records, Ayra Starr has proven she's more than a breakout star — she's a cultural shift. Hitting 5 million followers on Spotify isn't just a streaming stat; it's a statement. African female artists are no longer playing catch-up — they’re setting global trends.
Her achievement not only amplifies the voice of African women in music but also redefines what it means to be an international star from Africa. In a space once dominated by male voices, Ayra Starr and her contemporaries are kicking open doors for the next generation.
It’s particularly exciting to see Ayra and Tems — two young Nigerian women — leading the charge and rewriting history without rivalry, but with sheer talent and grace.
👥 Reactions from Fans & Industry:
@NaijaBeatsDaily: “Tems may lead in streams, but Ayra leads in followers. The Queen is coming for the crown!”
@AfroPulseHQ: “5M followers is no joke. Ayra is building a loyal global fan base. Salute!”
@BellaNaija: “Another win for Nigerian women in music. The era of Afrobeats queens is here!”
🔥 Trending Hashtags:
#AyraStarr
#SpotifyAfrica
#AfrobeatsToTheWorld
#MavinRecords
#WomenInMusic
#AfricanQueensOfPop
#AyraRush
📌 Final Note:
Ayra Starr’s rise is a masterclass in consistency, branding, and artistry. With more music on the way and her audience expanding globally, one thing is clear: this star isn’t fading anytime soon. 🌟
Congrats, Ayra — keep breaking ceilings!