Spotify has celebrated Nigerian singer Ayra Starr as the most streamed female artist in three African countries—Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. This recognition was part of Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped findings, which revealed the top 10 most streamed female artists across several Sub-Saharan African nations.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, made the announcement on Saturday, highlighting Ayra Starr’s remarkable dominance in the streaming charts of Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
“In Nigeria, the top 10 most streamed artists are: Ayra Starr, Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, SZA, Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, Rihanna, Simi, and FAVE,” Okumu said. “For Ghana, we have: Ayra Starr, Tems, SZA, Gyakie, Rihanna, Adele, Qing Madi, Tiwa Savage, Nicki Minaj, and Beyonce. In Kenya, we have: Ayra Starr, SZA, Rihanna, Tems, Billie Eilish, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, and Beyonce.”
She added that South Africa’s most streamed female artists included Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, SZA, Rihanna, and Beyonce.
Okumu praised the growing success of female artists across the continent in 2024, noting their boundary-breaking achievements and their contributions to an increasingly inclusive and diverse future for African music.
“Artistes, fans, and creators have made 2024 a record-breaking, culture-shaping year, with genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano lighting up stages and streaming platforms,” she said. “When it comes to Sub-Saharan Africa’s most streamed female artists, Nigerian icons are leading the charge. Grammy-nominee Ayra Starr has blazed a trail with her hit album *The Year I Turned 21*, her worldwide tour, and her bold red-carpet style.”
Ayra Starr’s Afropop and R&B fusion has earned her the title of the most streamed female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, while Ghanaian artist Gyakie secured the fourth spot in her home country. Tems ranked second in Nigeria and Ghana and fourth in Kenya.
Okumu also highlighted the success of Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, a global initiative designed to amplify the voices of women in music through playlisting and off-platform promotion. She revealed that over 200 EQUAL ambassadors had been supported in the programme’s four-year span.
“The programme has been crucial in supporting women in music, including Ayra Starr, Amaarae, Qing Madi, FAVE, Simi, Gyakie, Yemi Alade, Makhadzi, and Teni,” she said.
Tems, with her collaborations with Rihanna and Beyoncé, and Tyla, the South African pop sensation, were also celebrated for their achievements. Tyla, who secured the highest number of awards at the 2024 BET Awards, was nominated for three MTV EMAs, and her album “TYLA” was placed in the top 10 across countries like Rwanda, Tanzania, and Jamaica.
Spotify’s celebration of African female artists underscores the progress made in the industry, while also acknowledging the work still needed to further elevate these powerhouse creators.
