Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has once again etched her name in the history books, becoming the first African artist to earn a prestigious Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
This remarkable feat was achieved through her global smash hit ‘Santa’, a high-energy collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and Puerto Rican superstar Rauw Alejandro. The song has crossed a massive 35 million streams in the United States alone, qualifying it for the coveted Latin Diamond status and making Ayra the trailblazing African to do so.
Ayra Starr now stands alongside fellow Nigerian artist Rema, whose Latin crossover single ‘Bubalu’ recently earned a Latin Platinum certification, further cementing the rising influence of Afrobeats in the Latin music market.
Released to both critical and commercial acclaim, ‘Santa’ has seen phenomenal success beyond the U.S. The song has been certified multi-Platinum in key Latin territories including Spain and Mexico, two of the largest music markets in the Spanish-speaking world. It also topped the Spanish music chart and hit No. 2 in Colombia, Ecuador, and across Central America, signaling Ayra’s widespread appeal across cultures and continents.
This milestone not only highlights Ayra Starr’s growing international dominance but also marks a significant moment in the ongoing global expansion of Afrobeats. Her unique voice, style, and genre-blending versatility continue to break down borders and redefine what’s possible for African artists on the world stage.
With this Latin Diamond certification under her belt, Ayra Starr’s star is shining brighter than ever and from Lagos to Latin America, the world is dancing to her rhythm.
