Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, has shattered the record for African female artists after her latest single featuring Rema garnered 3 million YouTube views within 24 hours of release.
The music video for “Who’s That Girl”, which dropped on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, immediately sparked frenzy across social media platforms, with fans flooding timelines with praise for the collaboration.
The track reached 1.5 million views within its first 12 hours before crossing the 3 million threshold by the 24-hour mark, establishing Ayra Starr as the first African female artist to achieve such viewership numbers in a single day.
Nigerian British filmmaker Meji Alabi directed the visually stunning video, which showcases the undeniable chemistry between the two Afrobeats stars. Fans have lauded the pair’s fashion choices, on-screen energy, and the confident, playful vibe that defines their artistic personas.
“The synergy between Ayra and Rema is electric,” one fan commented on Twitter, whilst hashtags celebrating the collaboration trended throughout the day.
This achievement marks a significant leap from previous records held by other Nigerian female artists. Yemi Alade broke ground in 2019 when her “Oh My Gosh (Remix)” featuring American rapper Rick Ross became the first video by an African female artist to surpass one million YouTube views within 24 hours. That success cemented Yemi’s status as a trailblazer in African pop music.
Tiwa Savage also crossed the one million views milestone in 24 hours with her 2022 single “Loaded”, which featured rising star Asake. The achievement demonstrated Tiwa’s enduring influence and appeal within the industry.
Ayra Starr’s latest triumph caps off an exceptional year for the Grammy-nominated singer, who has graced multiple international stages and secured high-profile collaborations. Her distinctive ability to blend youthful confidence with relatable storytelling has resonated with audiences far beyond the African continent.
The 3 million views milestone signals a watershed moment for African female artists on digital platforms and underscores the explosive global demand for Afrobeats. It also highlights the increasing power of Nigerian pop stars to command international attention and break into mainstream markets worldwide.
Industry observers note that “Who’s That Girl” represents more than just another chart-topping Afrobeats anthem. The record-breaking performance stands as a defining moment for female representation in African music, setting a new benchmark that future artists will aspire to reach.
