In a groundbreaking achievement, Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has become the first African artist to receive a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The feat comes from her smash international hit “Santa,” a collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and Puerto Rican star Rauw Alejandro. The record has racked up over 35 million streams in the United States alone, earning it the prestigious RIAA Latin Diamond plaque.
This milestone places Ayra Starr in elite company alongside fellow Nigerian star Rema, whose track Bubalu previously received an RIAA Latin Platinum certification. Together, they remain the only African artists to attain such honors in the Latin music market.
“Santa” has not only dominated U.S. streaming charts but also made a massive impact globally. The track has gone multiplatinum in both Spain and Mexico, topped the Spanish music chart, and soared to the No. 2 spot in Colombia, Ecuador, and several Central American countries.
Ayra Starr’s rise marks a new chapter in the global reach of Afrobeats, as African artists continue to cross borders and redefine mainstream music on an international scale.
