Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has been crowned the most streamed female artist in three African countries—Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya—according to Spotify's 2024 Wrapped findings. This achievement underscores her growing influence in the global music scene, particularly within Sub-Saharan Africa.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify's Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, announced the news on Saturday, highlighting Starr's remarkable success across multiple territories. "When it comes to Sub-Saharan Africa’s most streamed female artists, there’s no overlooking the allure of Nigerian icons," Okumu remarked, emphasizing the rising global footprint of Afrobeats and its leading female voices.
In Nigeria, Ayra Starr led the list of top-streamed female artists, followed by notable names such as Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, and SZA. The rankings in Ghana mirrored those in Nigeria, with Starr, Tems, and SZA taking the lead. Kenyan listeners also showed a strong preference for Starr, ranking her alongside SZA and Rihanna.
Starr's breakout success with her album "The Year I Turned 21" and her international tour have solidified her position as a key figure in the industry. Her unique blend of soulful Afropop and R&B has resonated deeply with audiences across these regions.
Spotify's EQUAL Africa program, which promotes gender equity by supporting female artists through global playlisting and off-platform initiatives, has played a significant role in amplifying the voices of over 200 female artists across the continent. Ayra Starr, along with other notable figures like Tyla and Amaarae, has benefited from this initiative.
While progress is evident, Okumu emphasized that more work remains to ensure better representation of female artists in top-tier global music lists. However, the current data from Spotify signals a positive trajectory for women in the African music industry.
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