Nigerian Afrobeat singer Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, has set a new record for African female artists after her latest single, Who’s That Girl featuring Rema, hit 3 million YouTube views within 24 hours of its release.
The glamorous video, released on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, quickly became a trending topic across social media platforms. Within 12 hours, Who’s That Girl had already surpassed 1.5 million views, and within 24 hours, it crossed the 3 million mark, making Ayra Starr the first African female artist to achieve such numbers within a single day.
The music video, directed by Nigerian British filmmaker Meji Alabi, features stunning visuals that highlight the chemistry between Ayra Starr and Rema. The video captures the confident and playful energy that both stars are known for. Fans praised the duo’s synergy, fashion, and chemistry, with hashtags celebrating the collaboration dominating timelines throughout the day.
Before this milestone, only a few African women had recorded significant first-day viewership numbers. Yemi Alade made history in 2019 when her Oh My Gosh (Remix) featuring Rick Ross became the first by an African female artist to reach one million YouTube views within 24 hours. The success of that remix solidified Yemi’s reputation as a leading figure in African pop music.
Similarly, Tiwa Savage achieved over one million views in a day with her 2022 single Loaded, featuring Asake. The song showcased Tiwa’s consistent influence and appeal, proving that Nigerian women in music were commanding attention on a global scale.
Ayra Starr’s recent success with who’s that girl adds to an already impressive year. The Grammy nominated singer was recently featured on several international stages and collaborations, further solidifying her reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most promising global ambassadors. Her ability to merge youthful confidence with relatable storytelling continues to resonate with a diverse audience beyond Africa.
Now, Ayra Starr’s 3 million views in 24 hours represent a new era for African female artists on YouTube. The achievement not only sets a new benchmark but also reflects the growing global appetite for Afrobeats and the power of Nigerian pop stars to reach international audiences.
With Who’s That Girl, Ayra Starr and Rema have delivered more than just another Afrobeats anthem, they’ve created a record-breaking moment that will be remembered as a turning point for female representation in African music.
