Ayra Starr tops Spotify’s list of female Afrobeats stars
Global music streaming giant Spotify has unveiled its list of the ‘Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists in the Last 12 Months’, with Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr claiming the number one spot. Celebrated for her distinct style and vibrant sound, Spotify referred to her as “the pop star of Afrobeats,” cementing her status as one of the genre’s leading voices today.
Ayra Starr, known for hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” has rapidly grown a massive fanbase both in Africa and internationally, blending Afrobeat rhythms with pop and soul influences.
Other leading female artists on Spotify’s Afrobeats list
Coming in at number two is Tems, a Grammy-winning Nigerian singer recognized for her powerful vocals and collaborations with international stars like Drake and Wizkid. Tems has been instrumental in pushing Afrobeats onto the global music stage.
At number three is Libianca, an American-Cameroonian artist whose fresh Afro-soul vibe has resonated widely, especially with her hit track “People.”
French-Malian star Aya Nakamura took fourth place. Aya is known for her fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop, with international hits such as “Djadja.”
Completing the top five is British-Nigerian singer Darkoo, who has carved out a niche with her unique blend of Afrobeats and UK rap.
Tyla’s absence raises eyebrows
Notably missing from the list is Tyla, the South African singer who has enjoyed massive success over the past year, winning several major Afrobeats awards. Her exclusion from Spotify’s top five female Afrobeats artists sparked surprise among fans and industry watchers alike.
Spotify’s top Afrobeats artists in Latin America dominated by Nigerians
Spotify also released its list of Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America, which was entirely dominated by Nigerian musicians — a testament to Nigeria’s global influence on the genre.
Topping this chart is Rema, known for his catchy Afro-fusion hits like “Calm Down.” Nigerian singer Ayra Starr also featured prominently, taking the second spot.
CKay, the hitmaker behind “Love Nwantiti,” secured the third position, followed by two of Nigeria’s biggest global stars — Burna Boy at number four and Wizkid at number five.
Why Nigerian artists dominate the global Afrobeats scene
Nigeria continues to lead the Afrobeats movement worldwide, thanks to a blend of rich musical heritage, innovative production, and international collaborations. Artists like Ayra Starr, Tems, Burna Boy, and Wizkid have played significant roles in bringing Afrobeats to audiences in Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
This growing influence is reflected not just in Spotify’s charts but also in major international awards, streaming numbers, and global tours.
