Spotify, the global streaming giant, has honored Nigerian singer Ayra Starr for her remarkable achievement as the most streamed female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya in 2024.
This recognition came as part of Spotify’s annual Wrapped findings, which highlight top artists, songs, and trends globally.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, shared the news in a statement on Saturday, praising Ayra Starr’s impact on the African music scene and her trailblazing success across multiple countries.
“Ayra Starr’s rise to the top underscores the extraordinary power of African women in shaping music trends locally and internationally,” Okumu said.
“She led the top 10 most streamed female artists in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, proving the global appeal of her soulful Afropop sound.”
Spotify’s Wrapped report listed Starr ahead of renowned artists like Tems, SZA, Rihanna, and Tiwa Savage in Nigeria, with similar dominance in Ghana and Kenya, where global icons like Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, and Beyonce also featured prominently.
Highlighting the year’s achievements, Okumu credited African female artists for driving cultural conversations and breaking barriers.
“One of 2024’s standout developments is the star-studded success of female artists,” she noted. “These women are not only redefining African music but also pushing for an inclusive and diverse future.”
She lauded Ayra Starr’s chart-topping album, The Year I Turned 21, her worldwide tour, and her fearless red-carpet appearances as key elements of her groundbreaking year.
Tems, another Nigerian powerhouse, also shone brightly on Spotify’s charts, securing second place in Nigeria and Ghana and fourth in Kenya.
“Tems’ collaborations with global icons like Rihanna and Beyonce, and her performance at the Netherlands’ North Sea Jazz Festival, highlight her status as a global music ambassador,” Okumu added.
Other Nigerian artists celebrated included Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, and Spotify EQUAL ambassadors like Qing Madi, Simi, and FAVE, showcasing the depth of female talent emanating from Nigeria.
The success of Spotify’s EQUAL Africa program further emphasized the platform’s commitment to amplifying female voices.
“The EQUAL program has supported over 200 ambassadors in its four-year span, driving equity and global visibility for women artists,” Okumu explained.
South African star Tyla was recognized as the top EQUAL artist in Africa for 2024, alongside Ayra Starr, Amaarae, Qing Madi, and others.
Tyla’s self-titled album gained international acclaim, charting in countries like Rwanda, Barbados, and Tanzania, while she dominated the 2024 BET Awards and earned multiple MTV EMA nominations.
Despite these achievements, Okumu acknowledged the need for greater representation of African women in music’s top ranks.
“Spotify is proud to celebrate these incredible milestones, but the data shows there’s still work to be done,” she said.
She emphasized the critical role of female artists in spreading Afrobeats globally, citing their collaborations, performances, and chart-topping releases as driving forces behind the genre’s growing influence.
“Female artists are essential to helping Afrobeats and other African genres expand their reach in 2024 and beyond,” she concluded.
As 2024 ends, the achievements of Ayra Starr and her peers signal a new era of dominance for African women in the music industry.
With platforms like Spotify spotlighting their talent and initiatives like EQUAL driving equity, the future looks promising for these artists as they continue to inspire and redefine the global music scene.
