Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first African artist to earn a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The milestone comes through her global hit “Santa”, a vibrant collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro. The track, which combines Afrobeats and reggaeton elements, crossed 35 million streams in the U.S., qualifying it for the prestigious Latin Diamond award.
This achievement marks a breakthrough for both Ayra Starr and the African music industry. It highlights how Afrobeats continues to gain traction across international markets, especially in Latin America, where rhythmic and cultural similarities have helped African sounds flourish.
With this certification, Ayra Starr joins fellow Nigerian artist Rema as the only two African acts with RIAA Latin certifications. Rema’s hit “Bubalu”, a collaboration with Shakira and Manuel Turizo, earned a Latin Platinum certification earlier this year.
While Rema’s track enjoyed success, Ayra Starr’s “Santa” has reached even greater heights, proving her growing influence on the global stage.
“Santa” has been a hit far beyond the United States. The track topped the Spanish singles chart and earned multiple Platinum certifications in both Spain and Mexico. It also peaked at No. 2 in Colombia, Ecuador, and Central America, showing its wide appeal across Latin American markets.
The song’s success underscores the global appetite for genre-blending music and cross-cultural collaborations.
Ayra Starr, signed to Mavin Records, has quickly risen from a Nigerian breakout act to a global sensation. Known for songs like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan”, she has built a strong international fan base with her unique sound and magnetic presence.
Her success with “Santa” confirms her growing status as a global pop force and sets a new standard for African artists aiming to cross into new music markets.
This Latin Diamond milestone is not just a personal win; it is a landmark moment for Afrobeats and a sign of even bigger things to come for African music.
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