Spotify has named Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr as the biggest female Afrobeats artist over the past 12 months, cementing her rise as one of the genre’s defining global voices.
The streaming giant hailed the Mavin Records star as “the pop star of Afrobeats” while releasing its list of the Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists.
Grammy winner Tems followed closely in second place, while American-Cameroonian singer Libianca, best known for her global hit People, claimed third. Aya Nakamura, the Malian-French powerhouse, ranked fourth, with UK-based Nigerian star Darkoo completing the list at number five.
Surprisingly, South African breakout star Tyla — who swept multiple Afrobeats awards this year with her smash hit Water — did not make the ranking, sparking debate among fans.
Spotify also unveiled its Top 5 Afrobeats Artists in Latin America, a list dominated entirely by Nigerians. Rema led the pack, followed by Ayra Starr in second and CKay in third. Global superstars Burna Boy and Wizkid rounded out the top five.
The recognition underscores Nigeria’s dominance in Afrobeats’ global expansion and Ayra Starr’s growing reputation as one of the genre’s most influential ambassadors.
