Ayra Starr has achieved a remarkable milestone with her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, now surpassing 500 million streams on Spotify. This achievement not only marks a personal triumph for the Nigerian singer but also sets a new record for the most-streamed album by an African female artist on the platform.
Released on May 30, 2024, The Year I Turned 21 is a 15-track album that has captivated listeners worldwide with its innovative take on Nigerian pop music. The album showcases Ayra Starr’s versatility and global reach, solidifying her position as one of Africa’s most influential music exports.
The album has been celebrated for its diverse sound and impressive collaborations, including tracks with Nigerian star Asake, American artists Giveon and Coco Jones, and Brazilian sensation Anitta. Lead singles like “Commas,” “Rhythm & Blues,” and “Bad Vibes” featuring Seyi Vibez contributed to the album’s success and set a new record for the biggest opening day and week for an album by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify.
One of the standout tracks, “Santa,” a collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian, has become the album’s most-streamed song, amassing over 339 million streams on its own. This success has significantly contributed to the album’s impressive total.
Reaching 500 million streams is not just a personal milestone for Ayra Starr but also a significant moment for Nigerian and African music on the global stage. With this achievement, The Year I Turned 21 becomes one of the most-streamed Nigerian albums of all time on Spotify and brings Ayra Starr closer to the 2 billion streaming mark on the platform.
.@ayrastarr's 'The Year I Turned 21' has now surpassed 500 million streams on Spotify. pic.twitter.com/mHwCQEqYxU
— chart data (@chartdata) August 5, 2024
As Ayra Starr continues to break records and push boundaries, her music resonates more than ever, reflecting her extraordinary rise and the global appeal of Afrobeats.
