Rising Afrobeat star Ayra Starr has shattered a major industry ceiling, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to earn a Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom with her hit single “Rush”, after surpassing 600,000 combined sales and streams.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded the certification, marking a historic milestone not just for Starr’s career but for female representation in Nigeria’s global music export. “Rush” also marked her entry into the UK Official Top 100, cementing her place among the leading voices of the African music wave currently reshaping international charts.
Already a Grammy nominee, Ayra Starr previously received a Diamond Certification for the same track in France in 2023, confirming her expanding influence in key music markets and paving the way for greater global recognition of African female artists.
“Rush”was released in Sept, 2022, and quickly gained viral success, charting in the top ten across several countries such as France, Lebanon, and South Africa.
The track’s massive popularity also contributed to Ayra Starr’s first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.
In addition to her recent UK achievement, “Rush” has also earned platinum status in Canada and New Zealand, and 3times Platinum in Nigeria, demonstrating its widespread acclaim and commercial success.
