Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr continues to break boundaries and set new records as she eyes even bigger milestones on the global stage. The 23-year-old Nigerian star recently became the first African artist to earn a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a historic feat achieved through her collaboration with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro on the song Santa, which has now surpassed 35 million streams.
This achievement places her in exclusive company alongside Rema, whose track Bubalu is certified Platinum, making them the only African artists with RIAA Latin certifications.
Speaking with Canadian entertainment platform eTalk, Ayra Starr shared her ambition to reach the very top of the global music industry. Her dreams go far beyond chart success; she wants to make history.
“I definitely want a top Hot 100 Billboard song. That’s a must. I have to have that. I want Grammys upon Grammys. I’m going to tour the world,” she said. “I feel like I’ve done that, but I want to be able to tour Asia.”
But Ayra’s vision doesn’t stop there. She’s thinking long term, from winning a Grammy to becoming a cultural force across fashion and beauty industries.
“I want a number one record in the world. To be honest, just taking over. I’m already doing that, but I want to do it on a much grander scale. Ten years from now, I want to do my own Super Bowl,” she continued.
“Twenty years from now, I want to have my own brand, even before then, but I want it to be a household name. Either in fashion, makeup, or beauty, skincare, or something fun. I just want to be able to do something fun and enjoy it.”
Ayra Starr’s rise to stardom began with Rush, her breakout hit that earned her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards. She made history in that moment as both the youngest and the first Nigerian female artist to receive a Grammy nod in that category.
Although she didn’t win, as South Africa’s Tyla claimed the award with Water, Ayra’s nomination alone solidified her place among the elite in African music.
With her sights firmly set on Grammy wins, Billboard chart domination, and eventually headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, Ayra Starr is not just aiming to participate in global pop culture. She wants to define it.
