Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr has shattered records by becoming the first African artist to receive a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her global hit ‘Santa’, a collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro, achieved the milestone after surpassing 35 million streams in the U.S.
The 21-year-old singer, born Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, has now joined fellow Nigerian artist Rema—who holds a Latin Platinum certification for ‘Bubalu’—as the only African musicians recognized by the RIAA’s Latin awards.
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‘Santa’, released in 2024, has not only dominated U.S. Latin charts but has also achieved multi-Platinum status in Spain and Mexico. The infectious track soared to No. 1 on Spain’s music charts and peaked at No. 2 in Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America, cementing Ayra Starr’s influence in the global Latin music scene.
Ayra Starr’s rapid rise continues to make waves beyond music charts. Recently signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation while remaining under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, she has also garnered high-profile recognition, including praise from Rihanna, who named her a favorite artist.
With her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and now Latin pop, Ayra Starr is proving to be a boundary-breaking force in the industry, setting new benchmarks for African artists on the world stage.
