Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has emerged because the most-streamed feminine artist in three African international locations—Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya—in accordance with Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped findings.
The streaming platform highlighted Starr’s monumental success, reflecting the rising influence of feminine artists in Sub-Saharan Africa’s music scene.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, made the announcement on Saturday, noting that Starr’s dominance prolonged throughout a number of territories, underscoring her international enchantment.
In Nigeria, Starr led the checklist, adopted by distinguished artists comparable to Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, and SZA. Ghana’s prime streamers mirrored the Nigerian rankings, with Ayra Starr, Tems, and SZA taking the lead, whereas Kenyan listeners additionally gravitated in direction of her, rating her because the most-streamed feminine artist alongside SZA and Rihanna.
The prominence of Nigerian artists in these international locations exhibits the rising international footprint of Afrobeats and its main feminine voices.
“In terms of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most streamed feminine artists, there’s no overlooking the attract of Nigerian icons,” Okumu remarked. Starr’s breakout success along with her album The Yr I Turned 21 and her worldwide tour confirmed her place as a key determine within the business. Her mix of soulful Afropop and R&B resonated deeply with audiences throughout these areas.
Gyakie, a Ghanaian singer, additionally captured consideration, rating fourth in her residence nation. Tems, one other Nigerian star, secured the second spot in Nigeria and Ghana, and the fourth in Kenya, additional showcasing the robust illustration of Nigerian expertise within the area.
Whereas progress is clear, Okumu emphasised that extra work stays to make sure a greater illustration of feminine artists in top-tier international music lists. Nevertheless, the present knowledge from Spotify indicators a optimistic trajectory for ladies within the African music business.
