Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has once again made history, this time receiving a UK platinum plaque for her hit single, a remarkable achievement that cements her position as one of Africa’s most influential artists.
The song, released in September 2022, quickly gained traction, becoming a fan favorite not just in Nigeria but globally. Its success in the United Kingdom was particularly notable, making Ayra Starr the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100 chart.
Speaking on this groundbreaking milestone, Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is a dream come true. To see my music travel so far and touch so many hearts is beyond amazing. Thank you to everyone who has supported me.”
The UK platinum plaque is just one of many achievements the young star has earned for the song. The track also received Diamond certification in France, a rare feat for an Afrobeats record, further solidifying her international appeal.
As her star continues to rise, 2025 has been a whirlwind year for Ayra Starr, who turned heads at the prestigious MET Gala, showcasing her impeccable fashion sense alongside some of the world’s biggest celebrities.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “It’s been a crazy ride, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve learned, I’ve grown, and I’m ready for even bigger things.”
Ayra Starr’s momentum did not slow down, as she recently dropped a new single titled ‘Gimme Dat,’ featuring Grammy-winning megastar Wizkid.
Released on April 25, 2025, the song cleverly samples Wyclef Jean’s iconic tracks ‘Diallo’ and ‘911’ featuring Mary J. Blige, adding a nostalgic twist to the fresh Afrobeats sound.
This is the second collaboration between Ayra Starr and Wizkid, following her appearance on ‘2 Sugar’ from Wizkid’s fifth album ‘More Love, Less Ego.’
Describing the experience of working with Wizkid again, Ayra Starr stated, “Wiz is a legend, and it’s always magic when we create together. ‘Gimme Dat’ is a special one.”
The success of ‘Gimme Dat’ is part of a larger wave of achievements for the Grammy-nominated artist. Her sophomore album, ‘The Year I Turned 21,’ has been a commercial triumph, delivering hits like ‘Woman Commando’ featuring Coco Jones and Aniita, as well as ‘Commas,’ a fan favorite.
The album also featured her appearance on ‘Santa’ by Rvssian, which connected with global audiences, further expanding her reach. “This album is a reflection of who I am right now—bold, fearless, and unapologetically me,” Ayra Starr explained in an interview.
Her ability to effortlessly blend Afrobeats with global sounds has made her a standout in a crowded music industry.
2025 has been a year of recognition for Ayra Starr, who added to her trophy collection with a historic win at the MOBO Awards, where she made history as the first Nigerian female artist to win in her category.
At the 17th Headies, she was once again celebrated, winning Best R&B Single for her emotive track ‘Last Heartbreak Song’ featuring Giveon. “Every award is a reminder that my voice matters and my music is being heard,” she said.
With each new milestone, Ayra Starr continues to prove that she is not just a rising star but a global force in music, an artist who has redefined Afrobeats with her distinctive voice and bold style.
