Ayra Starr

Last updated

Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr performing in 2023 at Shoke Shoke Festival.jpg
Starr performing in 2023
Born
Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe

(2002-06-14) 14 June 2002 (age 23)
Cotonou, Benin
Alma materLes Cours Sonou, University
OccupationSinger • songwriter
Years active2021–present
Musical career
Origin Kwara, Nigeria
Genres
InstrumentVocals
Labels
Website ayrastarr.com
Ayra Starr performs "Rush" at Shoke Shoke Festival in Kenya, 2023.

Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe (born 14 June 2002), known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She achieved mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her hit song "Rush". The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. [2] It earned Starr a nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance. [3]

Contents

In early 2021, Starr began her career with the release of her debut EP Ayra Starr and its lead single "Away", which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 chart; the song also peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. It was followed by the release of her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous (2021). Categorized mainly as Afropop and R&B, it received favorable critical reception and spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria. The lead single "Bloody Samaritan" peaked atop the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position. In August the same year, Starr was ranked number three on Billboard's Next Big Sound. [4]

In 2024, Starr released her second album, The Year I Turned 21 .

Early life

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born on 14 June 2002 in Cotonou, Benin and grew up there and in Lagos, Nigeria. [5] She is a Nigerian and of the Yoruba ethnicity. [6] Both her parents are from Kwara State. Her family moved frequently during her high school years because of her father's business and as a result she had a hard time forming close friendships. [5]

Having been raised in a music-loving family, her interest in singing comes mostly from her family. At the age of 10, she sang in a high school choir and began writing songs with her brother. [5] She attended Les Cours Sonou University and received a BA degree in international relations and political science. During her college years, she was often bullied by her classmates because of her age and appearance. To counter the feelings, she experienced from being taunted, Starr turned to music. "I would listen to Nicki Minaj on my way to school and I'd feel like the second Nicki Minaj." [5] Starr's mother was very supportive of her musical ambitions and always encouraged her to pursue a singing career. [7]

Career

2018–2020: Career beginnings

In August 2018, Starr was signed with Quove Models, a modelling agency based in Lagos. From there, she modelled for companies such as Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine and Esperanza Woman. In 2019, she began posting covers of songs by artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia online. [7] She chose her stage name because in her words, "it means woke and eye-opening and that's what I stand for." [8] She appeared in the music video for Eri Ife's song "Dear Future Wife". In December 2019, she uploaded an original song called "Damage" on her Instagram page. This was heard by thousands of people including label executive Don Jazzy and led to her first recording contract with Mavin Records. [9] [7] [10]

In 2020, she started recording at Mavin Studios in Lagos with producers Louddaaa and Don Jazzy.

2021–2023: Ayra Starr and 19 & Dangerous

Her self-titled debut extended play was released on 22 January 2021 through Mavin Records. [11] The album has been described as "a topsy-turvy chronicle of love or love-themed situations" and "merges elements of R&B/neo-soul with Afropop percussion." [12] Starr said her intention with the record was to make music that would resonate with both young and old listeners. [13] The mixing and mastering of the EP was by Ikon, Louddaaa and Johnny Drille. Starr wrote one of the songs on the EP alone and co-wrote the remaining four with her brother Dami. [11] Shortly after its release, the EP became the number-one album on Nigeria iTunes and Apple Music. As of March 2021, it has reached the same position on Apple Music in 4 other countries, racking up over 15 million streams across Spotify, YouTube and Audio Mack. The project spawned the hit track "Away" which peaked at number four on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 and number 17 on US Billboard Top Triller Global. Its accompanying music video also debuted on MTV Base's Official Naija Top 10. [14] OkayAfrica included the song in their list of The 9 Best Nigerian Songs of January 2021. [15] Starr released remix versions of "Ija" and "Away" featuring Tokimonsta and Lilo respectively between March and April. Around the same time, Crayon's EP Twelve A.M was released with her vocals on the track "In Sync." [16] She performed at the "UC Berkeley" Nigerian Students Association virtual culture show titled The Olori Awards. [17] In April 2021, the official music video for her song "DITR" was released on YouTube via Mavin. [18] In June 2021, the music video for another song titled "Sare", was released. Both music videos were directed by Afolabi Olalekan.

On 11 July 2021, Starr performed for the season finale of Nigerian Idol . [19] On 6 August 2021, her debut studio album, titled 19 & Dangerous was released. For the album, she worked with her previous collaborators Louddaaa and Don Jazzy, both of whom contributed production on her EP Ayra Starr, and new collaborators, London and Andre Vibez. The album marked her first time recording alongside guest artists such as Fousheé and CKay. [20] It was met with favorable critical reception with most critics characterizing its sound as primarily Afropop and R&B. It spawned two top forty hits on the TurnTable Top 50, the highest being "Bloody Samaritan", its lone single, which became Starr's first number-one single on the chart. The song climbed the Top 50 for several weeks, and, on the chart dated 27 September 2021, it reached the number one spot, making Starr the first female artist to do so with a solo single. [21] [22] [23] She debuted on Pandora Predictions chart and on 28 August 2021, she ranked number two on the Billboard's Next Big Sound. [4] She was featured on "in the light", a track on Johnny Drille's Before We Fall Asleep . In September 2021, she was named brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria. The following day, Starr performed during a live eviction episode of Big Brother Naija . [24] She collaborated with Cheque on "Dangerous", the second track on his album Bravo. At the 8th African Muzik Magazine Awards, she was nominated for Best Newcomer award. In March 2022, Starr was named "Up Now" by music streaming service Audiomack. [25]

On 16 September 2022, Starr released "Rush" as part of the deluxe of 19 & Dangerous . [26] The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. [2] It became the most streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify and propelled her to become the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video; and also earned Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance. [3] [27] On 10 November 2022, Starr featured on "2 Sugar", a track from Wizkid's fifth studio album More Love, Less Ego. The song reached number 1 on Billboard's Hot Trending, and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. [28] On 4 March 2023, Starr took to social media to announce her music was used as part of the soundtrack for the film Creed III . [29] [30] On 13 July 2023, Starr announced that she would headling her first world tour titled "21: The World Tour". [31] The tour included 40 stops across North America, Africa, Europe and Australia. [31] On 27 October 2023, she was featured on the David Guetta single "Big FU", along with rapper Lil Durk. It reached No. 23 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs [32] and No. 18 on New Zealand Top 40 charts. [33]

2024–present: The Year I Turned 21

In late 2023, Starr began working on her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21 . The project marked a significant evolution in her craft, reflecting themes of self-discovery, love, grief and empowerment. Starr explained that the album title was inspired by her transition into adulthood, describing it as "not just about the age, but about the growth, self-discovery, and lessons I’ve learned along the way." Recording sessions took place at Mavin Studios in Lagos and continued into 2024, with contributions from longtime collaborators Louddaaa, London, and Johnny Drille, as well as Grammy-nominated producer Rvssian. Starr described the recording process as "a journey of experimentation and self-expression, where I allowed myself to be vulnerable." [34] During the album's development, Starr began building momentum with notable opportunities and partnerships. On March 5, 2024, American R&B artist Chris Brown announced that Starr would be one of the opening acts for his 2024 11:11 tour in North America, solidifying her international presence. [35] The following month, on April 8, 2024, Jamaican record producer Rvssian released the single "Santa," a collaboration with Starr and reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro. [36] The track became a viral hit, fusing Afropop, reggaeton, and dancehall influences. It also propelled Starr to become the first female Nigerian artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. [37] [38] During the same month, Starr attended a Fenty event in London, where she met Rihanna. Their interaction, captured in a widely circulated video snippest, sparked speculation about a potential collaboration. [39] Rihanna, who had discovered Starr's music through her cousin, expressed admiration for Starr and inquired about working with her and Tems. Starr later commented on the interaction, expressing her excitement about Rihanna's interest and her openness to working with both artists in the future. [40]

Ahead of TYIT21's release, Starr dropped several singles. "Rhythm & Blues," released on September 13, 2023, delved into themes of romance and nostalgia, while "Commas," released on February 2, 2024, highlighted confidence and financial independence. [41] "Santa," released on April 8, 2024, became a standout track, praised for its lively rhythm and playful lyrics. Each single was accompanied by visually striking music videos directed by leading African creatives, building anticipation for the full album. The Year I Turned 21 was officially released on May 31, 2024, through Mavin Records. The album features collaborations with artists such as Seyi Vibez, Coco Jones, Giveon, Asake, Anitta and Rauw Alejandro. Tracks like "Woman Commando," featuring Coco Jones and Anitta, highlight Starr's ability to merge Afrobeat rhythms with Western pop styles. Reflecting on the collaborations, she stated, "Each artist brought something unique, pushing me to explore new sides of my artistry." [42] Upon its release, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Nigerian Albums Chart and entered the Billboard 200 at No. 195, making Starr the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this milestone. Critics praised its innovative production and cohesive storytelling. Pitchfork described the album as "a bold and reflective work that redefines modern Afropop." Tracks like "21" received acclaim for their emotional depth, while "The Kids Are Alright" featured voice notes from Starr's family, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her personal life. [43] To support the album, Starr embarked on The 21 Tour, performing across Africa, Europe, and North America. Her performances and stage appearances received widespread acclaim. Speaking with The Guardian, Starr shared, "This tour feels like a celebration of everything the album stands for—growth, resilience, and connection." Critics highlighted The Year I Turned 21 as a defining moment in Starr's career, with Billboard praising its "universal themes of growth and ambition that resonate across cultures." [44] Starr collaborated with Coldplay on the song "Good Feelings" from Coldplay's album Moon Music and was a supporting act for the band's Music of the Spheres World Tour in Australia and New Zealand.

In February 2025, Starr launched the year with her first single "All The Love", setting the stage for what would become one of her most transformative years. [45] That same month, she made history at the MOBO Awards held at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on February 18, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act. She also secured Best International Act. [46] In April, she became the first Nigerian female artist to receive a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for her 2024 collaboration "Santa" with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, which grossed over 35 million streams. [47] On April 25, she released "Gimme Dat" featuring Wizkid, which nods to Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige's "911". In June, Starr won her first BET Award for Best International Act at the ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 9, edging out nominees including Ghana's Black Sherif, fellow Nigerian star Rema, and South Africa's Tyla and Uncle Waffles. [48] Her Summer 2025 Tour kicked off on June 20 with a performance at Summerjam Festival in New Jersey, followed by appearances at St. Kitts Music Festival on June 28 and Montreal International Jazz Festival on July 1. From July 7, she joined British band Coldplay for multiple stadium dates on their Music of the Spheres World Tour, beginning with a three-night run at Downsview Stadium in Toronto scheduled for July 7, 8, and 12. The tour continued through London's Wembley Stadium on August 22 and 23, where Coldplay played a record-breaking ten dates at England's national stadium. [49]

In mid-July, Starr signed an international management deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation while remaining signed to Mavin Records for music releases. The strategic partnership was designed to leverage her star power internationally, particularly in the United States market. The announcement, which surfaced on July 16, confirmed that Roc Nation would oversee her global branding, touring, bookings, and endorsement deals, particularly across the United States and Europe. [50] On July 25, she released "Hot Body", a dancehall-infused single produced by Ragee and The Elements, which was praised by critics, with Billboard calling it a "steamy slow-wine groove". [51] The track marked her first official release under Roc Nation management and became a contender for song of the summer. On September 27, Starr performed at the Global Citizen Festival in New York's Central Park alongside headliners Cardi B and Shakira, as well as Tyla, Mariah the Scientist, and Camilo. The festival, hosted by Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman with co-hosts Bill Nye, Adam Lambert, Danai Gurira, and Liza Koshy, broadcast live around the world to over 60,000 attendees at the Great Lawn. [52] During her performance, Starr brought out fellow Nigerian star Rema as a surprise guest, and they performed "Rush" together, followed by Rema's hits "Calm Down" and "Baby (Is It a Crime)". [53] The moment became one of the most talked-about highlights of the festival. Following the viral performance, Starr and Rema released their first official collaboration as co-lead artists titled "Who's Dat Girl" on October 17. The track, produced by Ragee with additional production from The Elements, blended dancehall, R&B, and Middle Eastern influences into an Afro-dance experience. [54]

Artistry

Musical style

Although musically diverse, Starr's sound has predominantly been categorized as Afropop and R&B. Her voice has been described in the media as "silky", "cozy", "delicate", "sturdy", "arresting" and "soulful", with music critics noting the dynamic nature of her range and emotional delivery. [12] [55] Her lyrics are a mixture of English, Nigerian Pidgin English and Yoruba, often exploring contemporary topics such as love, relationships, empowerment and freedom. [56]

With the release of her first EP, some critics felt that her vocal technique bore a striking resemblance to Tems' musical style. In an interview with Cool FM, Starr spoke about comparisons to Tems: "I'm a young artist and Tems is an amazing musician, for people to compare me to such an amazing musician, it's a compliment and I'm honoured." [57] Motolani Alake, reviewing the EP for Pulse wrote that "Ayra Starr isn't exactly a replica of Tems, but when she manipulates her vocals to stress the final syllable on words, sentences and cadences by flexing her octaves, she definitely sounds like Tems." Alake also opined that both artists are different and that "Tems can be more alternative while Starr is more Nigerian and more Afropop with more lamba in her soul." [12] Schön! Magazine 's Thandie Sibanda called the EP "a coming-of-age jukebox." [8] Karen Chalamilla of The Floor remarked that Ayra Starr "not only solidifies the singer/songwriter as a standout vocalist, but also serves as an acute window into her artistic sensibilities." [58]

Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous , explored mainly afropop and R&B but also introduced influences from neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. Critics praised her genre-fluid approach, with Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of Music In Africa noting that she "can work across genres while not quite sounding like anybody else." Starr's ability to blend multiple musical influences while maintaining her unique sound has become a hallmark of her artistry. [59] This versatility is also exemplified in her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21 , where she takes on a range of genres and styles. Bisi Ademola of African Folder, described it as a "not-too-ambitious, not-too-experimental" second effort. [60] Despite these mixed reviews, the album has received acclaim for its incorporation of Afrobeats, Highlife, Amapiano, and UK-leaning vibes, as noted by Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria. [61] The Year I Turned 21 adopts a more introspective tone than her previous work, navigating themes of self-discovery and independence. Kadish Morris of The Guardian pointed out that while the album creates "sultry soundscapes," some tracks feel short, pulling the listener out before fully immersing in the mood. Songs like "Freedom" and "Desire" highlight her fusion of African rhythms with Western pop, while tracks like "Let Me In" showcase her emotional depth and vocal range. [62]

Influences

Rihanna - The Loud Tour - 30 (6790388762).jpg
Beyonce - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - 1st June 2023 (6 of 118) (52945304172) (high cropped).jpg
Rihanna (left) and Beyoncé (right) were among Starr's major influences during her formative years.

Starr grew up in a musically inclined family. She considers her mother, a former singer and her brother Dami, a guitarist and songwriter as her earliest inspirations for her interest in a music career. [13] Growing up between Bénin and Nigeria, she was exposed to different cultures that shaped her perspective on life and her personality. Starr and Dami began writing songs from a very young age under the tutelage of their mother and aunt. She had wanted to make a real career out of singing since age 10 but her father encouraged her to complete her education first. [56] In her interviews for local and international media, she stated that throughout her childhood, she had a wide range of musical influences, including 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Angélique Kidjo, Lijadu Sisters, and Tope Alabi. She has called herself a "Disney girl," recalling how she would regularly watch Disney Channel shows, mainly Hannah Montana , while aspiring to become "the Nigerian Hannah Montana." The Disney film Let It Shine and its lead female co-star Coco Jones also left a lasting impression on Starr's early creative development. [63] As a fan of boy band One Direction, Starr performed a mashup of "Story of My Life" and Adekunle Gold's "Sade" at a school event, which was one of her earliest public performances. It was this rendition that prompted her teachers to encourage her professional ambitions. [64] At age 11, Starr began studying vocal techniques through YouTube tutorials, searching for videos on how to emulate Beyoncé and Rihanna's rhythmic patterns. [65] During her college years, she expanded her listening to include Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Sia and Tiwa Savage. Starr found Minaj's music generally empowering and has stated she aims to provide similar confidence to young listeners. [64] She credited Shakira as her biggest influence vocally along with Beyoncé, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus: "It was just the power I would feel listening to their music. We didn't get a lot of Nigerian female singers singing strongly about things like them, not as we do now." Lyrically, she admires Aṣa and has said that she "wrote so beautifully [and] was one of those people [she] would listen to just to learn how to write properly." [64]

Starr has also cited Frank Ocean's Nostalgia, Ultra as inspiration for her evolving sound. [66] Following the breakthrough success of "Bloody Samaritan" in 2021, Starr developed a mentorship relationship with Kelly Rowland, who joined the song's remix after it gained traction in the UK. Rowland became a significant influence on Starr's work ethic and approach to her career, advising her: "Sorry, you can't rest, this is not the time to rest," while sharing insights from her own experience with Destiny's Child about the importance of persistence and hard work. [67] Starr has described Rowland as "the most amazing human being" and said "I'm so blessed to know her. She is an inspiration to me and everything to me." [68] The mentorship extended beyond music, with Rowland offering guidance on navigating the pressures of stardom and maintaining authenticity in the industry. [68] During her 21st birthday trip to Barbados in June 2022, former Victorious actor Leon Thomas III gifted her a song called "21" after they spent a month together in the studio trading life stories. The collaboration became a breakthrough moment for her album The Year I Turned 21 . [69] In April 2024, Starr met Rihanna at a Fenty event in London, a moment she described as surreal given Rihanna's longstanding impact on her artistry. [70] The encounter deepened during the Crop Over Festival in Barbados, where the two spent time together. [71] Starr later cited Rihanna's "Desperado" as a catalyst for her new musical era. [66]

Public image

Since her rise to fame in 2021 with her debut EP Ayra Starr and the viral success of "Bloody Samaritan," Starr has emerged not only as a musical sensation but also as a style icon and a voice for young Africans. Her public image is shaped by a blend of Afropop star power, bold sartorial choices, and a deep connection with her audience. Starr's sense of style has been a prominent part of her identity, earning her a reputation as a fashion-forward artist. During the release of her debut album, 19 & Dangerous , her wardrobe strategy began drawing comparisons to other contemporary artists. Among these, some commentators drew parallels to fellow Nigerian artist Tems. Writing for Pulse Nigeria, Temi Iwalaiye noted that while both artists embrace alluring personalities, Starr's wardrobe often leans toward youthful, Y2K-inspired trends, characterized by crop tops, micro-skirts, and radiant colors. [72] With a blend of Alté subculture and worldly flair, Starr has been described by OkayAfrica as creating “a modern take on nostalgic fashion” that connects across borders. [73] Her debut appearance at Paris Fashion Week in 2023, attending major shows such as Balenciaga, Off-White, and Casablanca, marked her entry into haute couture. Critics have lauded her for seamlessly blending cultures, noting her ability to take creative risks. According to BellaNaija , Starr's "fearless approach to fashion" distinguishes her in the Afrobeats scene, mixing her personal tastes with avant-garde designs. [74] [75] Since 2023, she has been frequently compared to South African singer Tyla by media outlets and fans, particularly after both were nominated for the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024. The comparisons intensified following Tyla's win over Starr's "Rush" and other Nigerian nominees, with online discussions often pointing to their similar ages, body types, clothing, and career trajectories. The discourse occasionally sparked rivalry among fanbases across social media platforms, with accusations ranging from style imitation to streaming number competitions. In May 2024, both artists alternated at the top of Spotify's most-streamed African artists list, with their monthly listener counts fluctuating within hundreds of thousands of each other. [76] Despite the online tensions, Starr has maintained a cordial relationship with Tyla. In an October 2024 interview with BBC Radio 1 Xtra, she addressed the comparisons directly: "Tyla is my homegirl, that's my G. That doesn't bother me at all. [...] There's no need for comparisons". [77] The two artists have been photographed socializing together on multiple occasions, including a viral December night out in Lagos with Tems at Obi's House nightclub. [78] At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Starr stunned audiences with her custom crystal bralette and miniskirt, a look designed by Janice Munenge. Pulse Nigeria also commented that her "youthful and sultry style was a highlight of the red carpet," reflecting her ongoing experimentation while staying true to her roots. [79] Speaking about her aesthetic, Starr told BellaNaija, "[It] is about storytelling, just like music. I'm constantly exploring new ways to express myself". [79]

In May 2025, Starr made her Met Gala debut wearing a custom tuxedo dress designed by British-Ghanaian tailor Ozwald Boateng for the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" theme. The piece featured tribal mohair, a black satin label, deep v-neck, high leg slit, and open back lined with blue-turquoise fabric, complemented by jewelry from Repossi showcasing her June birthstone. Starr explained: "Ozwald is a genius, one whom I respect deeply. Being an African, I love how his designs pay homage to the culture. I wanted something simple, elegant yet well-tailored in line with the theme". She also carried a walking stick that doubled as binoculars, merging classic and timeless elements with a nod to the future. [80] Her Met Gala appearance solidified her status as an important figure in the industry, and in October 2025, she was named to the Business of Fashion's BOF 500 Class of 2025, an annual list of the most influential figures shaping the $2.5 trillion global fashion and beauty industries. The recognition acknowledged her as having "a deeply melodic, culturally resonant voice that bridges continents and generations", and reflected a cultural shift where Nigerian women musicians and performers were claiming space on runways as well as in boardrooms, proving that "music, fashion, and digital influence are now inseparable". [81] Her music and image resonate strongly with Gen Z audiences, particularly for her openness about self-expression and empowerment. In an interview with Euphoriazine, Starr explained, "I want my fans to feel seen through my music, to know that their stories matter". [82] This authenticity has helped her build a loyal fanbase, with millions following her on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she frequently shares behind-the-scenes content and personal reflections of her life. [83]

Activism

In August 2022, Starr was at the center of a public discussion regarding her stance on LGBTQ+ issues. This began when she responded to a fan on social media who questioned if her song "Cast (Gen Z Anthem)" was intended for LGBTQ+ listeners. Starr affirmed that her music is for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation. [84] In May 2024, Starr sparked significant discussion following her open embrace of LGBTQ+ fans during a concert in Brazil. During the event, she was seen waving the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and expressing solidarity with her LGBTQ+ audience. This gesture was met with mixed reactions from fans and the public. Some lauded her for her inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ rights, while others criticized her actions, reflecting the controversial nature of LGBTQ+ issues within Nigerian society. [85]

Other ventures

In September 2021, Starr became a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria.[ citation needed ] [86]

Starr was featured in the October 2021 issue of Accelerate TV's The Cover. [87] Starr was featured in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of ODDA. [88] In 2021, she appeared in a Notion editorial. [89] In February 2025, she signed an endorsement deal with New Balance alongside actor and musician Jaden Smith, becoming the face of the sportswear brand's latest campaign. Her previous partnerships have included ambassadorships with Maybelline New York, where she represents the cosmetics company across sub-Saharan Africa and Darling Nigeria. [90] [91]

Acting

In 2024 she made her acting debut in the movie Christmas in Lagos , appearing as herself. [92] In March 2025, she was announced as part of the cast of Children of Blood and Bone , Paramount Pictures' adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling novel, marking her acting debut alongside Viola Davis, Idris Elba, and Cynthia Erivo. The Gina Prince-Bythewood-directed film wrapped production in Lagos on June 2, with a scheduled release date of January 15, 2027. Speaking about the experience, she reflected on how filming forced her to adapt to strict schedules and military time, stating that she now respects actors more than ever and learned tremendously from working with the ensemble cast. [93]

Discography

Studio albums

Tours

Opening act

Awards and nominations

AwardYearRecipient(s) and nominees(s)CategoryResultRef.
African Entertainment Awards USA2021HerselfBest New ArtistNominated [94]
African Muzik Magazine Awards 2021 Best NewcomerNominated [95]
Mobo Awards 2021 Best African Music ActNominated [96]
2025 Best African Music ActWon [97]
Best International ActWon
Net Honours2021"Away"Most Played R&B SongNominated [94]
2022HerselfBreakout Artist of the Year (Female)Won [98]
Most Searched Musician (Female)Nominated
The Headies 2022 Next RatedNominated [99]
"Beggie Beggie" (feat. CKay)Best R&B SingleNominated
Best CollaborationNominated
"Toxic"Best Vocal Performance (Female)Nominated
"Bloody Samaritan"Best Afrobeats Single of the YearNominated
Headies' Viewer's ChoiceWon
19 & Dangerous Best Afrobeats AlbumNominated
Album of the YearNominated
2024 "Last Heartbreak Song" (with Giveon) Best R&B Single Won [100]
BET Awards 2022 Herself Best New International Act Nominated [101]
2023 Best International Act Nominated [102]
2024 "Commas" BET Her Award Nominated [103]
Herself Best New Artist Nominated
Best International Act Nominated
2025 Best New Artist Nominated [104]
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Nominated
Best International Act Won
The Future Awards Africa 2022 HerselfPrize for MusicNominated [105]
MTV Video Music Awards 2023 "Rush" Best Afrobeats Nominated [106]
"2 Sugar" (with Wizkid) Best Afrobeats Nominated
2024 "Last Heartbreak Song" (feat. Giveon) Best Afrobeats Nominated [107]
2025 "Last Heartbreak Song"Push Performance of the YearNominated [108]
Grammy Awards 2024 "Rush" Best African Music Performance Nominated [3]
3Music Awards2024"Sability"African Song of the YearNominated [109]
HerselfAfrican Act of the YearNominated
MTV Europe Music AwardsBest NewNominated [110]
Best AfrobeatsNominated
Best PushNominated
MTN Liberia Music AwardsInternational Artist of the YearWon [111]
TurnTable Music AwardsOutstanding Achievement in Live PerformanceWon [112]
South African Music Awards 2025 The Year I Turned 21 Rest of AfricaPending [113]

    References

    1. ↑ Daniel Anaza (19 July 2025). "Ayra Starr inks deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, primed to conquer world music". The Guardian . Retrieved 19 July 2025.
    2. 1 2 The Scoove, Africa (28 February 2021). "Ayra Starr breaks new Record as "Rush" hits 100 Million views on YouTube". The Scoove Africa.
    3. 1 2 3 "2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List | GRAMMY.com". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
    4. 1 2 "Next Big Sound Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
    5. 1 2 3 4 Obi, Ify (18 March 2021). "Nigerian Singer Ayra Starr Is Making Her Mark on Music". HYPEBAE. Archived from the original on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
    6. ↑ ETUKUDO, Itoro (11 May 2023). "How I came about the name, Ayra Starr". The ICIR- Latest News, Politics, Governance, Elections, Investigation, Factcheck, Covid-19. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
    7. 1 2 3 "Ayra Starr: Nigerian teen leading her generation's sonic revolution". NME . 16 February 2021. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
    8. 1 2 Sibanda, Thandie (25 February 2021). "interview | ayra starr". Schön! Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
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