Nigerian Afrobeats Stars Conquer Global Charts: Tems, Ayra Starr, and Rema Lead the Way
September 30, 2025
Nigerian artists continue to dominate the global Afrobeats scene, with Rema, Ayra Starr, CKay, Burna Boy, and Wizkid leading the charts, especially in Latin America where their popularity is surging.
Tems has made history as the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 3 billion streams, thanks to her collaborations and authentic, soulful style that resonated with audiences despite initial industry resistance.
While Tems has achieved remarkable success, South Africa's Tyla was notably absent from the streaming charts despite having an award-winning year.
Tems's journey exemplifies resilience and authenticity, as her introspective music eventually gained widespread acclaim, highlighting a shift towards more emotionally expressive vocals in the genre.
Ayra Starr, at just 22, has become a major voice in Afrobeats through hit singles and high-profile collaborations, including her debut EP 'For Broken Ears' which encouraged women to stay true to their artistic identity.
Her rise is further supported by her international growth strategies, including TikTok campaigns and collaborations facilitated by Mavin Records and Platoon, helping her build a global audience.
Ayra Starr's popular tracks like 'Rush,' 'Bloody Samaritan,' and 'Hot Body' have significantly boosted her streaming numbers and international fame.
Her growing influence is reflected in her substantial YouTube following, with nearly 2.8 million subscribers and over 776 million views last year, along with strong followings on Instagram and TikTok.
Ayra Starr's versatility is evident in her high chart placements both globally and in Latin America, marking her as a rising star in the genre.
Recent on-stage moments, like her lip-lock with Rema at the Global Citizen Festival, have fueled fan excitement and underscored her popularity in the scene.
Artists like Rema and Tems are also making cultural statements through appearances at major events such as the Oscars and Met Gala, shaping the visual and aesthetic identity of Afrobeats.
The genre is shifting towards more emotional and introspective vocals, now accounting for 38% of global streams, reflecting evolving listener preferences.
Summary based on 43 sources
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Sources

The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News • Sep 30, 2025
Burna Boy, Rema, Wizkid top Spotify’s Afrobeats artistes list for 2025
The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News • Sep 28, 2025
Ayra Starr surpasses 3 billion Spotify streams
Music Ally • Sep 29, 2025
Ayra Starr hits her latest milestone: 3bn Spotify streams
Punch Newspapers • Sep 30, 2025
Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr top Spotify’s 2025 Afrobeats list