Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, has quickly become one of Nigeria’s most exciting musical talents. Known for her distinctive blend of Afropop and R&B, she has captivated audiences with her smooth vocals and engaging songwriting. From her breakthrough in 2021 to her recent achievements, Starr’s journey is a testament to her talent and determination.
Ayra Starr’s early years were spent between Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that would later shape her music. As a Yoruba Nigerian, her upbringing was steeped in the rich traditions and vibrant music scene of the region. Her family frequently moved due to her father’s business, which often made it difficult for her to forge lasting friendships. Despite these challenges, Starr’s passion for music was evident from a young age.
Summarized Data:
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height in Inches | 5’6″ |
| Height in Centimetres | 168 |
| Age | 22 years |
| Weight in Kilograms | 56 |
| Body Measurements in Inches | 34-28-36 |
| Body Measurements in Centimetres | 86-71-91 |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Siblings | 1 brother |
| Marital Status | Single |
| School | Les Cours Sonou University |
| Degree | International Relations and Political Science |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| @ayrastarr |
Her interest in singing was nurtured in a music-loving family. By the age of 10, she was already performing in a high school choir and writing songs with her brother. She pursued higher education at Les Cours Sonou University, where she earned a degree in international relations and political science. During her college years, she faced bullying but used music as an escape, drawing inspiration from artists like Nicki Minaj.
Career Beginnings (2018–2020)
Ayra Starr’s music career began to take shape in 2018 when she signed with Quove Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency. Her modeling work with brands such as Mazelle Studio and Complete Fashion Magazine showcased her versatility. In 2019, she started posting covers of popular songs online, catching the attention of the music industry.
Her stage name, “Ayra Starr,” reflects her artistic vision, with “Ayra” meaning “woke and eye-opening.” Her breakthrough came in December 2019 when she uploaded her original song “Damage” to Instagram. This caught the attention of Mavin Records’ Don Jazzy, leading to her first major recording contract.
Rise to Fame (2021–2023)
In early 2021, Ayra Starr’s eponymous debut extended play (EP) marked her entrance into the mainstream music scene. Released on January 22, 2021, through Mavin Records, the EP blended Afropop and R&B with elements of neo-soul. The track “Away” gained significant traction, peaking at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart.
The success of “Away” paved the way for her first full-length album, 19 & Dangerous, released on August 6, 2021. The album featured hits like “Bloody Samaritan,” which topped Nigeria’s Top 50 chart, making Starr the first female artist to achieve this with a solo track. 19 & Dangerous was praised for its fusion of Afropop and R&B, showcasing Starr’s growth as an artist.
Starr’s international recognition grew with the release of “Rush” in September 2022. The song charted in Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, reaching number 24 in the UK. “Rush” also earned her a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. The song made her the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video.
In November 2022, Starr collaborated with Wizkid on the track “2 Sugar,” which debuted at number 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending chart. The following year, she announced her first world tour, “21: The World Tour,” which included 40 stops across various continents.
Her Recent Developments
In 2024, Ayra Starr continued to build on her success with several notable releases. On February 1, 2024, she dropped the single “Commas.” Her rising popularity led to an exciting opportunity as she was announced as one of the opening acts for Chris Brown’s 2024 North American tour.
On April 8, 2024, she released “Santa,” a collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro. This track helped her become the first female Nigerian artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The same month, she met Rihanna at a Fenty event, sparking rumors of a potential collaboration.
Starr’s second album, The Year I Turned 21, was announced for release in May 2024. The album debuted at number 195 on the Billboard 200 chart on June 10, 2024, marking her first appearance on this prestigious chart.
Ayra Starr’s Net Worth
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr earns $2.5 million (3 billion Naira) every year from Spotify . With an average of 1.7 million streams daily, she rakes in around $8,000 every single day as revenue. She ranks among the top-earning Nigerian artists on Spotify, boasting over 1.1 billion streams in total
As of 2024, Ayra Starr’s Net worth is estimated to be $550,000, which is approximately close to 800,000,000 Naira when converted to Nigerian currency.
Ayra Starr’s most notable songs
| Song Title | Album | Release Date | Peak Chart Positions/Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Away | Ayra Starr (EP) | January 22, 2021 | Peaked at #4 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50; #17 on Billboard Top Triller Global Chart |
| Bloody Samaritan | 19 & Dangerous | August 6, 2021 | First solo female #1 on Nigeria’s Top 50 chart |
| Rush | 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe) | September 2022 | Charted in UK (#24), Switzerland, and Ireland; over 100M views on YouTube |
| Fashion Killer | 19 & Dangerous | August 6, 2021 | Popular on social media platforms and fashion events |
| 2 Sugar (ft. Wizkid) | More Love, Less Ego (Wizkid) | November 2022 | Debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending Chart |
| Commas | Non-album single | February 1, 2024 | Growing presence in Nigeria and international Afropop playlists |
| Santa (ft. Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro) | Non-album single | April 8, 2024 | Helped her become the first Nigerian female artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify |
Musical Style and Influences
Ayra Starr’s music is a rich blend of Afropop and R&B, with influences from neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. Her vocal style is often described as silky, cozy, and soulful, characterized by its emotional depth and dynamic range. Her lyrics explore themes of love, empowerment, and freedom, delivered in a mix of English, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Yoruba.
Critics have noted similarities between Starr’s vocal style and that of Tems, but Starr embraces these comparisons as a compliment. Her musical influences range from Nigerian legends like 2Face Idibia and Wande Coal to international stars such as Shakira and Beyoncé.
Relationship
According to her, she revealed that she is currently single and hopes to find love soon.
Public Stance and Awards
Ayra Starr has used her platform to address important social issues. In August 2022, she openly supported LGBTQ+ rights, affirming that her music is for everyone regardless of sexual orientation. This stance sparked discussion in Nigeria, a country with complex views on LGBTQ+ issues. Her support for LGBTQ+ fans continued in May 2024 when she embraced the rainbow flag during a concert in Brazil, drawing mixed reactions.
In addition to her music career, Ayra Starr has been active in various ventures. In September 2021, she became a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria. She has also been featured in several fashion and lifestyle publications, including Accelerate TV’s The Cover and ODDA magazine.
Ayra has won at least two awards, including The Headies Award for Best Female Artiste of 2023. She beat her compatriots Tiwa Savage and Simi to the title. The hit single “Rush” has brought her substantial success. The song has at least 358 million streams on Spotify, and has more than 340 million views on YouTube.
Ayra Starr’s rise from a young music enthusiast in Nigeria to a global sensation is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication. With a distinctive musical style and a growing influence in the industry, she continues to make waves and inspire fans around the world. Her journey is a reflection of her passion for music and her commitment to using her platform for positive change. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Ayra Starr’s impact on the music industry and beyond is poised to expand even further.
FAQs About Ayra Starr
1. Who is Ayra Starr?
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for her distinctive blend of Afropop and R&B. She gained mainstream recognition with her debut EP in early 2021 and has since become a prominent figure in the music industry.
2. What was Ayra Starr’s breakthrough song?
Ayra Starr’s breakthrough song was “Away” from her self-titled debut EP, released in January 2021. The track achieved significant success, peaking at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart.
3. What is Ayra Starr’s debut album?
Ayra Starr’s debut studio album is 19 & Dangerous, released on August 6, 2021. The album includes the hit single “Bloody Samaritan,” which became her first number-one single on Nigeria’s Top 50 chart.
4. What are Ayra Starr’s major achievements?
Some of Ayra Starr’s major achievements include:
- Becoming the first female artist to have a solo number-one song on Nigeria’s Top 50 chart with “Bloody Samaritan.”
- Earning a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for her song “Rush.”
- Becoming the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video.
5. Has Ayra Starr performed internationally?
Yes, Ayra Starr has performed internationally. In 2023, she announced her first world tour titled “21: The World Tour,” which included 40 stops across North America, Africa, Europe, and Australia.
6. What are Ayra Starr’s upcoming projects?
Ayra Starr’s upcoming projects include her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21, set for release in May 2024. She is also scheduled to open for Chris Brown on his 2024 North American tour.
7. What is Ayra Starr’s musical style?
Ayra Starr’s musical style is primarily a blend of Afropop and R&B, with influences from neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, empowerment, and freedom.
8. How has Ayra Starr been involved in activism?
Ayra Starr has used her platform to support LGBTQ+ rights. She publicly affirmed that her music is inclusive of all sexual orientations and showed solidarity with LGBTQ+ fans during a concert in Brazil.
9. What other ventures has Ayra Starr been involved in?
Besides her music career, Ayra Starr has been a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria and has been featured in various fashion and lifestyle publications, including Accelerate TV’s The Cover and ODDA magazine.
10. How can I follow Ayra Starr’s updates?
You can follow Ayra Starr’s updates through her social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Additionally, her music and latest news are available on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
