Ayra Star Becomes First Female Nigerian Artist On Billboard 200

Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to feature on the U.S. Billboard 200 Album chart. Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, debuted at No. 195 on the prestigious chart on Monday, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

The Billboard charts celebrated her achievement with a tweet: “Debuts on this week’s #Billboard200:

• No. 2, @ATEEZofficial Golden Hour : Part.1 (EP)
• No. 5, @ShaboozeysJeans Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going
• No. 17, @themarias Submarine
• No. 102, @crowdermusic The Exile
• No. 169, @carinleonofi Boca Chueca, Vol. 1
• No. 195, @ayrastarr The Year I Turned 21.”

This album is not only making waves in the U.S.; it also debuted at No. 80 on the UK Official Album chart and at No. 72 in France. This makes it the first project by a female Nigerian artist to debut on these international charts.

Ayra Starr’s achievement adds to the growing list of Nigerian artists making an impact on the global music scene. Burna Boy’s Love, Damini, which reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and topped the UK album chart, remains the highest-peaking Nigerian album in the U.S.