When it comes to African music, particularly Afrobeats and Afro-pop, female artists have steadily risen to international prominence. Among the most celebrated names are Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Ayra Starr. Each of these Nigerian stars has made significant contributions to the music industry, gaining massive followings both at home and abroad. While each artist shines in her own right, the question of “Who is the biggest?” remains subjective.
To determine this, we will examine various factors such as commercial success, international recognition, impact, and artistry.
Tiwa Savage: The Queen of Afrobeats
Career and Commercial Success
Often referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Tiwa Savage has been a pioneering figure in the Nigerian music scene for over a decade. Having started her career as a backup vocalist for international stars like Mary J. Blige and George Michael, Tiwa’s experience and versatility are unmatched. She made her debut in 2010 with her hit single Kele Kele Love and quickly rose to fame, earning multiple awards, including the prestigious MTV Africa Music Award.
Commercially, Tiwa has an impressive track record. She was the first African female artist to sign a global deal with Universal Music Group in 2019. Her albums, especially R.E.D and Celia, feature chart-topping singles like All Over and Koroba. Tiwa’s ability to blend Afrobeats with elements of pop, R&B, and Reggae has broadened her appeal, making her a versatile artist who appeals to both African and international audiences.
International Recognition
Tiwa Savage’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria. She has performed at major international events, including the ESSENCE Music Festival and Wireless Festival, and was the first woman to win the Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2018. She’s collaborated with several global superstars, including Beyoncé on Keys to the Kingdom for the Lion King: The Gift album and Sam Smith on Temptation.
With millions of followers on social media, Tiwa continues to dominate the digital space, and her music videos often garner tens of millions of views on YouTube. Her status as a global ambassador for Afrobeats is undeniable.
Impact
As one of the first Nigerian female artists to break into the male-dominated Afrobeats scene, Tiwa Savage has inspired countless women in Africa to pursue music careers. Her bold fashion statements and unapologetic stance on women’s empowerment have also made her a cultural icon. Whether it’s her heartfelt ballads or party anthems, Tiwa’s music often addresses themes of love, independence, and self-worth, making her relatable to fans worldwide.
Yemi Alade: The “Mama Africa”
Career and Commercial Success
If Tiwa Savage is the Queen of Afrobeats, then Yemi Alade has earned the title of “Mama Africa.” Yemi shot to fame in 2013 with her mega-hit Johnny, which remains one of the most-watched African music videos on YouTube, with over 150 million views. Since then, she has built a remarkable career, releasing a string of successful albums like Mama Africa, Woman of Steel, and Empress.
Yemi Alade’s music has a strong pan-African appeal, blending various genres like Afro-pop, highlife, and coupé-décalé. Her multilingual approach, singing in English, French, and Yoruba, helps her connect with a broader audience across Africa. Her singles, including Africa, Oh My Gosh, and Shekere, are popular both within and outside Nigeria.
International Recognition
Yemi Alade is often described as one of the most influential African artists of her generation. She’s toured extensively across Africa and Europe, performing at prominent events such as the ESSENCE Festival and the Global Citizen Festival. In 2020, she was featured on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift alongside other African stars like Burna Boy and Wizkid.
Yemi’s global reach is also evident in her collaborations with international artists like Angélique Kidjo, Rick Ross, and Sauti Sol. She has won several prestigious awards, including the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist multiple times. In terms of social media presence, Yemi Alade boasts millions of followers, making her one of the most followed African artists.
Impact
Yemi Alade’s pan-African identity has earned her a special place in African music. She celebrates African culture in her music, videos, and performances, embracing traditional attire, dance, and storytelling. Her nickname, “Mama Africa,” is a testament to her influence across the continent. Like Tiwa, Yemi also champions women’s empowerment and self-expression, particularly through her lyrics and brand partnerships with organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Ayra Starr: The Rising Star
Career and Commercial Success
The youngest of the three, Ayra Starr burst onto the music scene in 2021 with her self-titled EP, followed by her debut album 19 & Dangerous. Signed to Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, Ayra quickly became a sensation with hits like Away and Bloody Samaritan, the latter becoming an anthem among Nigerian youths.
Despite her relatively recent arrival, Ayra Starr has enjoyed rapid success. Her debut album peaked at number one on Apple Music in several countries, and she became the first female Nigerian artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 with her feature on the Rush remix.
International Recognition
Though she is early in her career, Ayra Starr has already gained significant international attention. Her sound blends Afrobeats with R&B and pop, making her a versatile artist. She has been featured in international publications like NME and Rolling Stone, and her music has been streamed millions of times across platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Ayra’s international recognition is growing as she performs at various music festivals and collaborates with other stars. She represents a new generation of Afrobeats artists who are bridging the gap between Africa and the rest of the world with fresh, genre-blending sounds.
Impact
At just 21, Ayra Starr is already being hailed as the future of Afrobeats. She represents the new wave of young female artists who are redefining what it means to be a star in the African music industry. Her youthful energy, bold fashion choices, and unfiltered lyrics resonate with Gen Z audiences, particularly young women.
Who Is the Biggest?
Ultimately, determining “who is the biggest” among Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Ayra Starr depends on the criteria being used.
Tiwa Savage is a veteran with a decade-long career, global accolades, and a deep-rooted influence in Afrobeats.
Yemi Alade boasts unparalleled pan-African appeal, strong international recognition, and a reputation as a cultural ambassador for Africa.
Ayra Starr, though young, is rapidly becoming a global sensation and represents the next wave of Afrobeats talent.
In terms of longevity and global reach, Tiwa Savage may still hold the crown. However, Yemi Alade’s pan-African influence and Ayra Starr’s rapid ascent make them strong contenders for the title.
Ultimately, all three women are shaping the future of African music in different, but equally impactful, ways.
