Nigerian pop princess continues record-breaking 2025 with back-to-back milestones
Grammy-nominated Afropop sensation Ayra Starr is set to headline the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival in Canada, marking yet another massive career milestone for the 22-year-old Nigerian superstar.
Fresh off a crowd-pleasing performance at the St. Kitts Music Festival, Ayra continues to prove why she’s one of the biggest global forces in African music today. Her upcoming headline slot at one of the world’s most iconic music festivals cements her fast-growing reputation as a world-class performer and cultural ambassador.
A Historic Year of Wins
2025 has been nothing short of groundbreaking for Ayra Starr. Just days ago, she took home the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, making her only the second African female artist to achieve that honor — the first being Tems in 2022.
Earlier this year, she clinched two MOBO Awards, adding to her growing trophy shelf and reinforcing her status as Africa’s golden girl on the world stage. At the 17th Headies Awards, she also snagged Best R&B Single for her emotional track “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon.
1 Billion and Counting
In another landmark moment, Ayra Starr has officially crossed 1 billion total views on YouTube, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to hit this milestone. She now joins an elite club of Nigerian artists, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, CKay, Omah Lay, Kizz Daniel, Tekno, P-Square, Flavour, and Fireboy DML, who have also surpassed the billion-view mark.
This incredible achievement reflects not only her massive popularity but also the global reach of Afrobeats and African pop music.
Montreal Set to Feel the Starr Power
At the Montreal Jazz Festival, Ayra Starr is expected to deliver a show-stopping set packed with her greatest hits and recent chart-toppers, including her brand-new single “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid.
With each performance and accolade, Ayra Starr continues to rewrite the narrative for African female artists on the global stage — boldly, stylishly, and on her own terms.
From Lagos to London, St. Kitts to Montreal — Ayra Starr’s star just keeps rising.
