Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has once again etched her name into the history books, becoming the first African artist to receive a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The milestone, confirmed this week, marks a groundbreaking moment for African music on the global stage, further cementing the continent’s influence in the evolving international soundscape.
Ayra Starr achieved this historic feat through her globally successful collaboration “Santa” alongside Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro and renowned Jamaican producer Rvssian. The track, which fuses Latin pop, reggaeton, and Afrobeat rhythms, has been certified Latin Diamond by the RIAA after surpassing 35 million on-demand streams in the United States.
The Latin Diamond plaque, one of the most coveted accolades in the global music industry, recognizes songs that have achieved extraordinary commercial success in the Latin music market. Ayra’s achievement not only makes her the first African to attain this honor but also places her in elite company as one of the few African artists with Latin RIAA certifications.
Breaking Boundaries in Global Music
This certification is a testament to Ayra Starr’s meteoric rise in the music world and the genre-blending power of Afrobeats. Since emerging on the Nigerian music scene under Mavin Records in 2021, Ayra has consistently pushed the boundaries of sound and culture. Her breakout hit “Bloody Samaritan” and debut album “19 & Dangerous” earned critical acclaim and commercial success across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Her inclusion on “Santa” with Rauw Alejandro — a reggaeton heavyweight known for hits like “Todo de Ti” — and Rvssian, one of the most sought-after Latin producers, was a bold step into a new market. The record not only charted successfully across Latin America but also showcased the seamless synergy between Afrobeat rhythms and Latin melodies.
Chart-Topping Performance
“Santa” has been a massive success across several countries. It topped the official Spanish chart, further proving Ayra’s appeal beyond traditional Afrobeats territories. The song also reached No. 2 in Colombia, Ecuador, and multiple Central American countries, securing airplay and streaming dominance in the Latin music market — one of the largest and fastest-growing globally.
In addition to its Latin Diamond status in the U.S., “Santa” has also earned multiple Platinum certifications in Spain and Mexico, signifying millions of units sold and streamed across both digital and physical platforms. These milestones demonstrate the track’s cross-cultural reach and Ayra’s adaptability as an artist in different sonic environments.
Joining Rema in Latin RIAA Honors
Ayra Starr is now part of an exclusive group of African artists who have achieved Latin RIAA honors. She joins Rema, another Nigerian superstar, whose collaboration with Shakira on “Bubalu” received Latin Platinum certification earlier this year.
The presence of Nigerian artists on Latin charts and certifications is a sign of a broader cultural convergence between African and Latin music. In recent years, Latin artists have increasingly collaborated with Afrobeats stars, blending genres and tapping into new audiences. This Afro-Latin wave is redefining global pop and positioning African musicians as central players in the international music industry.
A Rising Star with Global Recognition
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayra Starr represents the new face of African music — bold, genre-fluid, and globally minded. Her music, deeply rooted in Afrobeat, often incorporates R&B, soul, and pop influences, allowing her to cross borders with ease.
She was recently nominated for Best International Artist at the BET Awards and was also one of the standout performers at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival in New York. With her new Latin accolade, the 21-year-old singer now adds another international badge to her growing list of achievements.
In a recent interview, Ayra Starr expressed gratitude for the global recognition and highlighted the importance of collaboration.
“Music is a universal language. Working with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro was an amazing experience. I’m proud to be representing Africa and to see our sound connecting with people everywhere,” she said.
Impact on Afrobeats and the African Music Industry
Ayra Starr’s success comes at a time when Afrobeats is dominating global charts, playlists, and award platforms. The genre has seen tremendous expansion in the U.S., UK, Latin America, and Asia, driven by talents like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Davido, Asake, Rema, and of course, Ayra herself.
The Latin Diamond certification also paves the way for more collaborations between African and Latin artists. Industry executives are increasingly eyeing the commercial potential of blending the two styles — given their shared emphasis on rhythm, melody, and vibrant culture.
Music analyst Oscar Ortega commented on the milestone:
“What Ayra Starr has achieved is historic. This is more than a certification — it’s a signal that African artists are not just breaking into Western pop but also leading the wave in Latin America. It shows how powerful African music has become.”
Looking Ahead
With another major accolade under her belt, Ayra Starr is poised for an even bigger year ahead. Her sophomore album, teased by Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy earlier this year, is expected to feature more international collaborations and further solidify her place on the world stage.
As she prepares for an extensive European and American tour, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating her next big release — and the possibility of more Latin-flavored hits.
For now, Ayra Starr’s historic Latin Diamond certification is a proud moment not just for her but for Nigeria, Africa, and the entire Afrobeats community. It’s a celebration of African excellence and a preview of a future where African music continues to transcend borders and dominate charts worldwide.
By Africa Live News Entertainment Desk
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