Ayra Starr

Artist Birtday :	14/06/2002(Age 23)
Born In :	Kwara
Occupation(s) :	Musician
Genres :	Afro beats, Afropop, RnB
Web Site :	www.ayrastarr.com

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has rapidly ascended in the global music scene. Raised in Lagos, Nigeria, she hails from Kwara State and was brought up in a musically inclined family, which nurtured her passion for singing from a young age. Her early exposure to diverse musical genres and participation in church choirs laid the foundation for her artistic journey.

Before venturing into music, Ayra Starr pursued a career in modeling, signing with Quove Model Management at the age of 16. Her modeling experience, coupled with her active presence on social media platforms where she shared song covers, caught the attention of Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records. In 2020, she officially joined Mavin Records, marking the beginning of her professional music career.

Ayra Starr’s self-titled debut EP, released in January 2021, introduced her unique blend of Afropop, R&B, and alté sounds to the Nigerian music industry. The EP’s lead single, “Away,” garnered significant attention, peaking at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. Building on this momentum, she released her debut studio album, “19 & Dangerous,” in August 2021. The album received critical acclaim and featured hit singles like “Bloody Samaritan,” which made her the first female artist to top Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart with a solo song.

In 2022, Ayra Starr achieved international recognition with her single “Rush,” which charted in several countries, including the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. The song’s success led to a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Continuing her upward trajectory, she released her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” in May 2024. This album, featuring collaborations with artists like Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, Giveon, Seyi Vibez, and Rauw Alejandro, debuted at number one in Nigeria and showcased her growth as an artist.

Ayra Starr’s distinctive fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop music has captivated audiences across Africa and the globe. Her estimated net worth ranges from $500,000 to $1 million, solidifying her position as one of the fastest-rising stars in the Nigerian music industry. Additionally, she has secured endorsement deals with prominent brands, including Pepsi, Samsung, and MTN.

Beyond her musical achievements, Ayra Starr is known for her bold fashion choices and advocacy for self-expression. She continues to inspire a new generation of artists with her authenticity and dedication to her craft, solidifying her status as a global sensation in the music industry.

Musical Achievements and Discography

Since her debut, Ayra Starr has carved a niche for herself with her rich vocal style and bold lyricism. Her first EP, Ayra Starr (2021), featured five tracks, including the standout hit “Away.” This song introduced a raw, emotional side of the singer, setting her apart in a music scene often dominated by fast-paced party anthems. The EP was praised for its maturity, lyrical depth, and the fusion of genres—ranging from soul to Afropop.

Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous (2021), solidified her presence in the Nigerian and global music industries. The album was a well-curated blend of confidence, rebellion, and youthfulness. Key tracks like “Bloody Samaritan,” “Fashion Killer,” “Beggie Beggie” featuring CKay, and “Cast” featuring her label boss Don Jazzy, showed her versatility and thematic depth. 19 & Dangerous was a critical and commercial success, with “Bloody Samaritan” becoming a national and continental anthem, topping multiple music charts.

One of the major turning points in her career came with the single “Rush,” which gained massive popularity on social media and streaming platforms in 2022. “Rush” was not only a sonic hit but also a cultural moment. It spoke to the ambitions of young Africans, resonating with themes of hustle, confidence, and optimism. The song’s success took her beyond the African continent, garnering her a spot on the UK Singles Chart, and it became one of the most streamed Nigerian songs of the year.

In 2024, she released her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21. This project marked a creative evolution and global collaboration phase for Ayra Starr. Featuring a diverse lineup of artists such as Anitta (Brazil), Coco Jones (USA), Giveon (USA), Seyi Vibez (Nigeria), Rauw Alejandro (Puerto Rico), and frequent Nigerian collaborator Asake, the album signaled her desire to appeal to a broader international audience. Thematically, the album dives into issues of identity, self-worth, womanhood, and freedom. Songs like “Comma,” “Bad Vibes” featuring Seyi Vibez, and “21” show her growth not just as a vocalist, but also as a storyteller with global appeal.

Awards and Recognition

Ayra Starr’s rise has not gone unnoticed by the music industry’s biggest gatekeepers. She has received numerous awards and nominations in a short span, placing her among the most decorated Gen Z artists in Africa. Her nominations include:

• Best New Artist at the 2021 AFRIMA Awards

• Next Rated nominee at The Headies Awards

• Best African Music Performance (for “Rush”) at the 66th Grammy Awards

• Nominations at the MOBO Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Soundcity MVP Awards

Her Grammy nomination for “Rush” in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category placed her in the elite league of Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems—solidifying her global relevance.

Fashion and Branding

Ayra Starr’s image is as dynamic as her music. Known for her edgy and experimental fashion sense, she is often regarded as a fashion icon among young Africans. Her look blends street style with Afrofuturistic aesthetics. Ayra’s distinctive fashion is not just about aesthetics—it is part of her identity. She often states in interviews that dressing up gives her confidence and reflects her emotions.

She has fronted major endorsement campaigns for Pepsi, MTN, and Samsung, aligning her brand with youthful energy and innovation. In 2023, she was invited to perform at global music events like the Wireless Festival in the UK and Afro Nation Portugal. She also walked in Lagos Fashion Week, further blurring the lines between music and fashion in her career.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Despite her rapid rise, Ayra Starr has managed to stay grounded. Raised in a Christian household with strong family values, she often credits her brother, who is also a music producer and collaborator, for helping her maintain balance. She believes in the power of hard work, discipline, and authenticity. In interviews, she speaks openly about her struggles with self-doubt and how she uses her music as therapy.

Her nickname “Celestial Being” came from her fans and has been embraced by the artist as a representation of her spiritual and artistic uniqueness. To Ayra, being a “celestial being” means living beyond the ordinary, being connected to the divine, and offering music that uplifts and heals.

She is also known for her vocal support of young African women and has spoken in favour of women owning their space in the entertainment industry. Through her music and platform, she encourages girls to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Influence and Legacy

Even at a young age, Ayra Starr is already influencing a new generation of Nigerian and African female artists. Her success has challenged the male-dominated structure of the Afrobeats scene, proving that women can headline shows, lead streaming charts, and be recognised on the world stage.

She represents a shift in Nigerian pop culture—from brash, party-centric narratives to more introspective, individualistic, and globally relevant music. Her blend of soul, Afrobeats, R&B, and alté makes her one of the few truly genre-fluid artists from the continent.

Ayra Starr is also helping bridge the gap between African music and Western audiences. Her international collaborations and multilingual musical influences suggest she is being groomed as a cultural ambassador for African music, much like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems.