Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Sarah Aderibigbe, often referred to as Ayra Starr became the first Nigerian female artist to appear on the U.S. Billboard 200 Album chart.
With the release of her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” which debuted at No. 195 on Monday, the 21-year-old singer accomplished the feat.
“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,” Billboard charts tweeted.
Additionally, the album marks the first release on the UK Official Album chart by a female Nigerian musician.
It made its debut in France at N0.72, and in the UK at N0.80.
“Love, Damini” by Burna Boy, which peaked at number 14, is still the highest-peaking Nigerian album in the United States and the first to reach the top of the UK album chart.
After releasing her popular song “Bloody Samaritan” in 2021, Ayra Starr went viral.
The same year she released her debut studio album “19 and Dangerous” and it included her other chart-topping songs “Away,” “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” which she later remixed with American singer, Kelly Rowland.
With numerous awards and accolades, Starr has become one of the continent’s fastest-rising artistes.
She was among the Nigerian music stars nominated for this year’s Grammy Awards.
“Rush” earned her a first Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category, making her the youngest Nigerian female artist to be nominated for a Grammy Award in that category.
The music star, however, lost to Tyla, the South African singer.
