The Rising Afrobeat Queens: Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla

 The Rising Afrobeat Queens: Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla

Afrobeats isn’t just a movement led by men — three women are pushing the genre’s sound into global stardom: Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla. Each brings a unique voice, flow, and energy, carving her own lane while redefining how Afrobeat and African music are consumed in America and beyond.

1. Tems – The Global Voice

Tems has become the face of soulful Afrobeats. With her smoky tone and introspective lyrics, she’s elevated the genre into new emotional territory.

• Musical Style & Flow: Afro-soul with lyrical depth. Tems blends vulnerability with strength, giving her music a timeless quality.

• Example (from “Free Mind”):
  “I need to free my mind now / This is the peace that I cannot find.”

  • Analysis: Deeply reflective and poetic. Tems leans on raw emotion instead of flashy rhymes.

• Catalog Strength: Smaller compared to Ayra or Tyla, but impactful. “Essence” with Wizkid, “Wait for U” with Future & Drake (Grammy win), and her EP For Broken Ears made her an international force.

• Impact: Tems has global acclaim, with Grammys and crossover collaborations placing her at the forefront of Afrobeat women worldwide.

Verdict: Tems is #1 — the queen whose soulful lyricism and global reach make her the crown jewel of Afrobeat’s female stars.

2. Ayra Starr – The Celestial Breakthrough

Ayra Starr is the new-gen Afrobeats princess whose youth, energy, and sharp delivery give her songs a unique punch.

• Musical Style & Flow: Afro-pop meets Afrobeats. Ayra uses playful but sharp lyricism, often mixing English with Nigerian slang.

• Example (from “Rush”):
  “Me no get the time for the hate and the bad energy / Got my mind on my money.”

  • Analysis: Simple but powerful. She delivers aspirational lyrics that resonate with a younger, global audience.

• Catalog Strength: With 19 & Dangerous and global hits like “Rush” and “Away”, Ayra is proving herself as more than just a rising star.

• Impact: Ayra Starr is America’s newest Afrobeat darling, showing she can compete on the same stage as her male counterparts.

Verdict: Ayra Starr is #2 — the breakout star with momentum, blending youth, sass, and Afrobeats energy.

3. Tyla – The Amapiano Princess

Though South African, Tyla is often placed alongside Afrobeats because her sound bridges Amapiano and Afrobeats. Her hit “Water” turned her into an overnight global star.

• Musical Style & Flow: Amapiano with Afrobeat undertones — dreamy, sultry, and vibey.

• Example (from “Water”):
  “Make me sweat, make me hotter / Make me lose my breath, make me water.”

  • Analysis: Sensual yet playful, Tyla relies on catchy repetition and melodic delivery to hook listeners.

• Catalog Strength: Still building, but her self-titled debut album (Tyla) showed she has potential beyond her breakout hit.

• Impact: Tyla is the youngest of the trio but already a Grammy winner. She’s positioned as a crossover star blending African genres with global pop.

Verdict: Tyla is #3 — the fresh superstar who’s still growing her catalog but already has international recognition.

The Afrobeat Queens: Noneillah’s Ranking of Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla

Afrobeats has exploded into a global phenomenon, and it’s not just the men leading the charge. A new trio of female stars has risen, making waves both in Africa and across America: Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla. These Afrobeat queens are not only dominating the charts but also reshaping the sound of modern music. Each artist brings her own style, flow, and catalog to the culture, carving out her lane while representing the power of African women in the global music scene.

But if Noneillah had to rank them based on lyrical flow, catalog strength, and overall artistry, here’s how the list stands.

1. Tems – The Global Voice

Tems stands tall as the crown jewel of Afrobeat’s female stars. Her smoky, soulful voice and deeply introspective lyrics have earned her international respect and awards, including a Grammy. Tems doesn’t just make songs — she creates music that lingers in the soul.

• Wordplay & Flow: Tems is all about emotional storytelling. Songs like “Free Mind” and “Higher” prove her ability to connect on a spiritual level, with lyrics that resonate beyond the dance floor.

• Catalog Strength: While her catalog is smaller than some peers, its impact is enormous. “Essence” with Wizkid became the first African song to crack the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, and her feature on Future’s “Wait for U” won her a Grammy.

• Why #1? Tems blends lyrical depth with global reach, making her the most complete Afrobeat queen in Noneillah’s eyes.

2. Ayra Starr – The Celestial Breakthrough

Dubbed the “Celestial Being,” Ayra Starr is the rising Afrobeat princess with youthful energy and a fearless voice. She’s relatable to younger audiences while still delivering sharp lyricism and catchy hooks.

• Wordplay & Flow: Ayra’s music speaks to ambition, independence, and confidence. In her hit “Rush” she raps, “Me no get time for the hate and the bad energy,” reflecting a direct and empowering style.

• Catalog Strength: Her debut album 19 & Dangerous and tracks like “Away” have proven she’s more than a one-hit wonder. Ayra is building a strong foundation for a lasting career.

• Why #2? Her word game is sharp, but her catalog is still in the growth stage. She’s next in line for Tems’ global level of dominance

3. Tyla – The Amapiano Princess

Though from South Africa, Tyla has earned her place in the Afrobeat conversation by blending her Amapiano roots with global pop and Afro-fusion vibes. She’s the youngest of the trio, but her Grammy-winning hit “Water” put her on the map worldwide.

• Wordplay & Flow: Tyla leans more on catchy repetition and vibe-driven lyrics than lyrical depth, but her sultry delivery makes her music addictive. “Water” is proof of her ability to create universal hits.

• Catalog Strength: Her self-titled debut album shows promise, though her discography is still small compared to Tems and Ayra.

• Why #3? Tyla is undeniably talented but still finding consistency in her catalog and lyrical growth. Noneillah ranks her third for now, with room to rise.

Final Ranking (Nonillaah’s List)

1. Tems – The Global Voice (soulful, lyrical, and internationally dominant).

2. Ayra Starr – The Celestial Breakthrough (youthful, sharp, and rising fast).

3. Tyla – The Amapiano Princess (fresh, innovative, still building her catalog).

Nonillaah’s Take

Tems, Ayra Starr, and Tyla are not just Afrobeat stars — they are global ambassadors of African music. Tems rules with her depth and impact, Ayra is the next-gen queen on the rise, and Tyla is the fresh voice bringing in new energy and genres. Together, these women are proving that the Afrobeat queens are every bit as powerful as the kings, and the future of African music is in excellent hands.