ENSIKLOPEDIA
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr | |
|---|---|
 Aderibigbe performing in 2023 | |
| Born | Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (2002-06-14) 14 June 2002 (age 23) Cotonou, Benin |
| Alma mater | Les Cours Sonou University |
| Occupation | Singer • songwriter |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Works | |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels | |
| Website | ayrastarr |
|
Musical artist | |
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (listenⓘ; born 14 June 2002), known professionally as Ayra Starr (/ˈaɪrə ˈstɑːr/ EYE-rə-star), is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.[2] She achieved international recognition in 2022 with the release of her song "Rush" which charted in several countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.[3] The song earned Aderibigbe a nomination for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.[4]
In early 2021, she released her self-titled debut EP and its lead single, "Away". Her debut EP was followed by the release of her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous (2021).[5] The album appeared in year-end lists by publications such as NativeMag.[6] The lead single, "Bloody Samaritan," became the first song by a solo female artist to reach the No. 1 position in the Top 50 charts.[7] In August of that same year, Aderibigbe was ranked No. 3 on Billboard's Next Big Sound.[8]
In 2024, Aderibigbe released her second album, The Year I Turned 21.[9]
Aderibigbe announced that her third studio album, Starr Girl, would be released on 14 August 2026.
Life and career
Early life
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born in Benin and raised in Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria.[10] She is of Nigerian and Yoruba heritage,[11] with both parents from Kwara State.[12] She is multilingual, knowing Yoruba, French, English, and Nigerian Pidgin.[13]
She is the second of five children. She and her older brother, Damilola, played music together during their childhood.[14]
Though she gravitated toward the arts as a teen, her father often urged her to prioritize academics.[14] She attended Les Cours Sonou University in Cotonou and received a BA degree in international relations and political science.[14] Aderibigbe's mother supported her musical ambitions and reportedly encouraged her to pursue a singing career.[15]
2018–2020: Career beginnings
Aderibigbe finished in second place on the Nigerian television talent show Maltina Dance All as a child.[16] In August 2018, Aderibigbe signed with Quove Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency.[17]
In 2019, Aderibigbe started posting song covers by artists such as Andra Day and 2Face Idibia on social media.[15] The stage name "Ayra Starr" is of Arabic origin, meaning "somebody that is highly respected."[18] She also appeared in the music video for Eri Ife's song "Dear Future Wife."[19]
In December 2019, Aderibigbe uploaded an original song called "Damage" to her Instagram page. After this, Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy sent her a message expressing interest in her music and inviting her to meet.[20][21] Aderibigbe's first sessions at Mavin Studios were her introduction to professional recording. Throughout 2020, she recorded at Mavin Studios in Lagos with producers Louddaaa, Don Jazzy, and Dayogrey.[22]
2021–2023: Ayra Starr and 19 & Dangerous
Her self-titled debut EP was released in January 2021 through Mavin Records.[23] The mixing and mastering of the EP was by Ikon, Louddaaa, and Johnny Drille. Shortly after its release, the EP became the number-one album on Nigeria iTunes and Apple Music. By March 2021, the song had racked up over 15 million streams across Spotify, YouTube, and Audiomack. The EP included the 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.[24] OkayAfrica included the song in their list of The 9 Best Nigerian Songs of January 2021.[25] In early 2021, Crayon's EP Twelve A.M was released, including her as a featured artist on "In Sync."[26] She then performed for the UC Berkeley Nigerian Students Association's Olori Awards.[27]
In July 2021, Aderibigbe performed for the season finale of Nigerian Idol.[28] On 6 August 2021, her debut studio album titled 19 & Dangerous was released. The album marked her first time recording alongside guest artists such as Fousheé and CKay.[29] It included two top forty hits on the TurnTable Top 50 and Starr ranked number two on Billboard's Next Big Sound.[8] Her highest chart position was with "Bloody Samaritan," which became Aderibigbe's first number-one single on the chart.[30] She was concurrently featured on "in the light," a track on Johnny Drille's Before We Fall Asleep. Starr was nominated for the "Best Newcomer Award" at the 8th African Muzik Magazine Awards in October.[31]
In September 2022, Aderibigbe released the song "Rush" as part of the deluxe edition of 19 & Dangerous.[32] The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.[3] "Rush" earned Aderibigbe her nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.[4][33] On 10 November 2022, Aderibigbe was 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.[34]
In March 2023, she was credited on Creed III's soundtrack with "Ogogoro".[35][36] Shortly after this, in July 2023, she announced her first headlining world tour, 21: The World Tour, with 40 stops across North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia.[37] The lead single from her next album, "Rhythm & Blues," was released in September 2023, exploring themes of romance and vulnerability.[38] She was also featured on the David Guetta song "Big FU," along with rapper Lil Durk, which reached No. 23 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs[39] and No. 18 on New Zealand Top 40 charts.[40]
2024–2025: The Year I Turned 21 and international expansion
![](./File:Nigerian_singer-songwriter_Ayra_Starr_during_a_radio_interview_at_Ultima_Studios_in_Lekki,_Lagos_where_she_spoke_about_her_song_"Commas"._She_is_wearing_a_Honda–Supreme_top.jpg)
The album's second single, "Commas," was released on 2 February 2024.[41] In April, Jamaican record producer Rvssian released "Santa," a collaboration with Aderibigbe and reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro.[42] The track made Aderibigbe the first Nigerian female artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify.[43]
"Bad Vibes," featuring Seyi Vibez, was released on 10 May as the final single ahead of the album.[44] Aderibigbe second studio album, The Year I Turned 21, was released through Mavin Records on 31 May 2024. The album explores themes of self-discovery, love, grief, and empowerment.[45] The album features guest appearances from Coco Jones, Giveon, Asake, Anitta and Rauw Alejandro. Upon its release, the album debuted at No. 1 on the Nigerian Albums Chart and entered the Billboard 200 at No. 195, making Aderibigbe the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this milestone. Pitchfork described the album as "a bold and reflective work that redefines modern Afropop."[46] Billboard praised the album for its "universal themes of growth and ambition that resonate across cultures."[47]
Following the album's release, she served as an opening act for Chris Brown's 2024 11:11 Tour across 26 North American cities from June to August. In June 2024, Starr made history as the first African female artist to perform on Glastonbury Festival's Pyramid Stage.[48] She also headlined Afro Nation Detroit in August.[49] She collaborated with Coldplay on the song "Good Feelings" from their 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, Aderibigbe released "All The Love".[50] That same month she won Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards.[51] On 25 April, she released "Gimme Dat" featuring Wizkid, which pays homage to Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige's "911". In June, Aderibigbe won her first BET Award for Best International Act.[52] Her Summer 2025 Tour kicked off on 20 June with a performance at Summerjam Festival in New Jersey. In mid-July, Aderibigbe signed an international management deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation while remaining signed to Mavin Records for music releases.[53] On 25 July, she released "Hot Body", which Billboard called a "steamy slow-wine groove".[54]
On 27 September, Aderibigbe performed at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City's Central Park.[55] During her performance, Aderibigbe brought out her labelmate Rema as a surprise guest, and they performed "Rush" together.[56] Following the performance, Aderibigbe and Rema released their first official collaboration as co-lead artists titled "Who's Dat Girl" on 17 October. [57] In November 2025, she headlined the Tidal Rave Festival at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, becoming the first major non-Ghanaian artist to headline the event.[58][59]
2026–present: Starr Girl
In January 2026, she was announced as a contributing artist on the original motion picture soundtrack for GOAT, an animated film produced by Sony Pictures Animation, appearing on the track "Brought the Family", a collaboration with Jon Bellion.[60][61] Aderibigbe was featured in Spotify's "Our Frequency" zine Issue 033, where she discussed her aspirations and confirmed she was working on her third studio album, expected later in the year.[62] In February 2026, she was added to the lineup for BRED Abu Dhabi's fourth edition at Yas Marina Circuit.[63] She provided a verse for the remix of "Mon Bébé" by French artist RnBoi.[64] In March 2026, she released her single "Where Do We Go"[65] and appeared on the song "Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back)" from Angélique Kidjo's 2026 album Hope!!.[66] On 26 March 2026, she won Best International Act at the MOBO Awards, becoming the first African artist to win the category in consecutive years.[67][68]
In April 2026, Aderibigbe performed "Where Do We Go" on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she officially announced her third studio album, titled Starr Girl, scheduled for release in July 2026.[69]
Artistry
Musical style
Aderibigbe's sound has predominantly been categorized as Afropop and R&B, with music critics noting the dynamic nature of her range and emotional delivery.[70][71] Her lyrics are a mixture of English, Nigerian Pidgin English and Yoruba. She often sings about contemporary topics such as love, relationships, empowerment and freedom.[14]
Her 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."[72] This versatility is also exemplified in her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21.[73][74] The Year I Turned 21 adopts a more introspective tone than her previous work, navigating themes of self-discovery and independence.[75]
Influences
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Aderibigbe 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.[76]
In her interviews, she has stated that throughout her childhood she had a wide range of musical influences primarily including Beyoncé and Rihanna[77] 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 Aderibigbe's early creative development.[78]
Following the success of "Bloody Samaritan" in 2021, Aderibigbe developed a mentorship relationship with Kelly Rowland, who joined the song's remix after it gained traction in the UK.[79]
Achievements
Aderibigbe has received various music accolades. In 2022, she was named the breakout artist of the year by Nigerian Entertainment Today.[80] In 2023, she was included in the list of Forbes 30 Under 30 in music category.[81] Spotify ranked Starr number one on its "Top 5 Female Afrobeats Artists in the Last 12 Months" list in 2025, describing her as "the pop star of Afrobeats."[82] She is also the most-streamed female artist in Nigeria, having led Spotify's year-end ranking for four consecutive years (2022–2025), and became the first artist to achieve the same standing concurrently in Ghana and Kenya during 2023 and 2024.[83][84]
She became the first female artist in the history of the Official Nigeria Top 100 Songs to reach number one with a solo single, and later set the record for the most number-one entries on the chart by a female artist, with four chart-topping credits.[85][86] Her breakout single "Rush" achieved commercial success, becoming the most-streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify and making her the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video.[85] The song earned multiple international certifications, including Platinum in the UK, Canada and New Zealand, and a Diamond in France.[87] Her 2023 collaboration with Ninho, "No Love", was also certified Diamond by the SNEP in France[88] and earned her first Gold certification in Switzerland.[89]
"Santa" peaked within the top ten of charts in several Latin territories and made Starr the first Nigerian female artist to receive a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.[90] "Santa" also achieved multi-platinum status in Spain and Mexico and peaked at number one in Spain and Bolivia, while charting across Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, and the Billboard Global 200.[91] In 2024, her second album The Year I Turned 21 debuted at number one on the Official Nigeria Top 100 AlbumsShe is the first female Nigerian artist to surpass 20 million monthly listeners on streaming platform Spotify, where the album has garnered over 1 billion cumulative streams as of September 2025, making her the 6th most globally streamed black female artist.[92][93]
In 2023, she became the youngest African female artist to headline a world tour, drawing audiences across North America, Europe, and Africa.[94] In addition to her commercial and touring achievements, she was inducted into the Business of Fashion BoF 500, which identifies the most influential figures shaping the global fashion and creative economies.[95]
Other ventures
Endorsements
In September 2021, Aderibigbe became a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria.[96]
In March 2023, she was announced as the spokesperson for Maybelline New York across sub-Saharan Africa.[97]
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.[98][99]
Fashion and magazine features
She made her runway debut in 2025 at the London Fashion Week, walking for Di Petsa and closing the show for the brand's Autumn/Winter 2025 collection.[100]
In 2021, Aderibigbe appeared in a Notion editorial.[101] She was on the cover and appeared in an editorial for Wonderland magazine's winter issue, as well.[102]
In July 2023, she was the cover star for Teen Vogue's inaugural "Africa's New Wave" issue alongside fellow artists BNXN and Victony.[103]
In September 2024, she appeared on the cover of Dazed Magazine's Autumn 2024 issue, photographed by Zora Sicher.[104]
She has also appeared on covers for GQ South Africa,[105] Numero,[106] and Hunger.[107]
Acting
In 2024, she made her acting debut in the movie Christmas in Lagos, appearing as herself.[108]
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 2 June, with a scheduled release date of 15 January 2027.[109]
Invited Talks
On 17 April 2026, Aderibigbe delivered the opening keynote address at the 2026 Yale Africa Innovation Symposium (YAIS IV) where she spoke to students about leadership, taking risks, and pursuing creative dreams, drawing from her own journey as a young African artist. She wrote about this experience on her Substack.[110]
Discography
Studio albums
- 19 & Dangerous (2021)
- The Year I Turned 21 (2024)
- Starr Girl (2026)
Tours
Headlining
- 21: The World Tour (2023/2024)
Supporting
- Chris Brown – The 11:11 Tour (2024)
- Coldplay – Music of the Spheres World Tour (2024–2025)
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Recipient(s) and nominees(s) | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Entertainment Awards USA | 2021 | Herself | Best New Artist | Nominated | [111] |
| African Muzik Magazine Awards | 2021 | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [112] | |
| Mobo Awards | 2026 | Best International Act | Won | [113][114] | |
| Best African Music Act | Nominated | [115] | |||
| 2021 | Best African Music Act | Nominated | [116] | ||
| 2025 | Best African Music Act | Won | [117] | ||
| Best International Act | Won | ||||
| Net Honours | 2021 | "Away" | Most Played R&B Song | Nominated | [111] |
| 2022 | Herself | Breakout Artist of the Year (Female) | Won | [80] | |
| Most Searched Musician (Female) | Nominated | ||||
| The Headies | 2022 | Next Rated | Nominated | [118] | |
| "Beggie Beggie" (feat. CKay) | Best R&B Single | Nominated | |||
| Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||||
| "Toxic" | Best Vocal Performance (Female) | Nominated | |||
| "Bloody Samaritan" | Best Afrobeats Single of the Year | Nominated | |||
| Headies' Viewer's Choice | Won | ||||
| 19 & Dangerous | Best Afrobeats Album | Nominated | |||
| Album of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| 2024 | "Last Heartbreak Song" (with Giveon) | Best R&B Single | Won | [119] | |
| BET Awards | 2022 | Herself | Best New International Act | Nominated | [120] |
| 2023 | Best International Act | Nominated | [121] | ||
| 2024 | "Commas" | BET Her Award | Nominated | [122] | |
| Herself | Best New Artist | Nominated | |||
| Best International Act | Nominated | ||||
| 2025 | Best New Artist | Nominated | [123] | ||
| Best Female R&B/Pop Artist | Nominated | ||||
| Best International Act | Won | ||||
| The Future Awards Africa | 2022 | Herself | Prize for Music | Nominated | [124] |
| MTV Video Music Awards | 2023 | "Rush" | Best Afrobeats | Nominated | [125] |
| "2 Sugar" (with Wizkid) | Best Afrobeats | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | "Last Heartbreak Song" (feat. Giveon) | Best Afrobeats | Nominated | [126] | |
| 2025 | "Last Heartbreak Song" | Push Performance of the Year | Nominated | [127] | |
| Grammy Awards | 2024 | "Rush" | Best African Music Performance | Nominated | [4] |
| 2026 | "Gimme Dat" | Nominated | |||
| 3Music Awards | 2024 | "Sability" | African Song of the Year | Nominated | [128] |
| Herself | African Act of the Year | Nominated | |||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | Best New | Nominated | [129] | ||
| Best Afrobeats | Nominated | ||||
| Best Push | Nominated | ||||
| MTN Liberia Music Awards | International Artist of the Year | Won | [130] | ||
| TurnTable Music Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Live Performance | Won | [131] | ||
| AEAUSA 2024 | "Hypé" (Aya Nakamura feat. Ayra Starr) | Best Music Video | Nominated | [132] | |
| South African Music Awards | 2025 | The Year I Turned 21 | Rest of Africa | Won | [133] |
| Les Flammes [fr] | "Hypé" (Aya Nakamura feat. Ayra Starr) | Morceau de l'année (Song of the Year) | Nominated | [134] | |
| Featuring européen et/ou international (European and/or International featuring) | Nominated | [135] |
See also
References
- ↑ Daniel Anaza (19 July 2025). "Ayra Starr inks deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation, primed to conquer world music". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 19 July 2025.
- ↑ "Home". Ayra Starr. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- 1 2 The Scoove, Africa (28 February 2021). "Ayra Starr breaks new Record as "Rush" hits 100 Million views on YouTube". The Scoove Africa. Archived from the original on 18 February 2026. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 "2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List | GRAMMY.com". www.grammy.com. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
- ↑ Amoye, Temisan (23 August 2021). "19 & Dangerous: An expansive and cohesive intro to Ayra Starr". Vanguard News. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Animashaun, Damilola (21 October 2022). "Our First Impressions of Ayra Starr's Deluxe of '19 & Dangerous'". The NATIVE. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- ↑ miftaudeenraji@vanguardngr.com (10 October 2022). "Top 10 Nigeria music countdown: Ayra Starr comes first with multiple No. 1 songs in Nigeria". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Next Big Sound Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on 21 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr The Year I Turned 21 [Explicit Content]". Collector's Choice Music.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (Ayra Starr)". Africa Boku Talent. Retrieved 13 April 2026.
- ↑ Ani, Ivie (19 July 2023). "Ayra Starr Is the 21-Year-Old Helming a New Era of Afrobeats". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 11 December 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 Conteh, Mankaprr (13 August 2021). "The Sharp and Swift Ascent of Ayra Starr". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2021.
- 1 2 "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.
- ↑ ""Dare To Dream" Review—Ayra Starr Documentary Connects The Past To The Future". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). 12 September 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ "Sabi Girl & Celestial being: The complete biography of Ayra Starr". Pulse Nigeria. 6 August 2025. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Sibanda, Thandie (25 February 2021). "interview | ayra starr". Schön! Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
- ↑ Gunn, Charlotte (31 August 2022). "On The Radar: Ayra Starr". Music Week. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ Vincent, Oladoyinbo (13 February 2024). "How I Got Signed By Don Jazzy". DevOne Africa.
- ↑ Onyango, Alfayo (2 April 2021). "Arya Starr: Nigerian teen music sensation". The Standard (Kenya). Archived from the original on 2 April 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ↑ Adekunle, Musa (28 September 2025). "Why I signed Ayra Starr to Mavin Records - Don Jazzy". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Asejemu, Mojisola (10 January 2025). "Ayra Starr Net Worth 2025, New Songs and Achievements". Np media. Retrieved 10 January 2025.
- ↑ "Turntable Charts". Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ↑ "The 9 Best Nigerian Songs of the Month (January)". OkayAfrica. 27 January 2021. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
- ↑ Alake, Motolani (26 March 2021). "Rema, Ayra Starr, Bella Shmurda feature on Crayon's new EP, 'Twelve AM'". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ↑ Okobz, Ralph (20 April 2021). "Watch Ayra Starr's Captivating UC Berkeley Performance". NotJustOk. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ↑ Edeme, Victoria (11 July 2021). "Ice Prince, Ayra Starr, others perform at Nigerian Idol Grand Finale". The Punch. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr Set To Release Visual For "Beggie Beggie" with Ckay". wapBeatz.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 January 2022.
- ↑ Mike, Steven (6 August 2021). "Ayra Starr 19 & Dangerous Album". ivoryMP3. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2021.
- ↑ "African Muzik Magazine Awards 2021: All the winners". Music In Africa. 14 December 2021. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr Releases "Rush" Her First Single Of The Year". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 16 September 2022. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr's "Rush" To The Top: The Afrobeats Singer On Numerology, The Male Gaze & The Power Of Kelly Rowland | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ↑ Rutherford, Kevin (22 November 2022). "Wizkid Dominates With Top Four Spots on Hot Trending Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr gushes as her song gets featured in Hollywood's, Creed III". Nigerian Tribune. 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- ↑ "Nigerian singer Ayra Starr names Cristiano Ronaldo among her idols". SoccerBrief.co.uk. 20 June 2023. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr Announces First Headlining World Tour / Reveals Dates – That Grape Juice". thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ↑ Schube, Will (14 September 2023). "Afrobeats Star Ayra Starr Shares New Single 'Rhythm And Blues'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ↑ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard (Archived). 1 December 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ↑ "David Guetta dévoile un nouveau morceau "Big FU"". NZ Top 40. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr's New Single Has Her Staying Focused On Her "Commas" – Okayplayer". www.okayafrica.com. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ↑ Staff, LaMezcla (8 April 2024). "Rvssian Rauw Alejandro & Ayra Starr Release New Single "Santa"". Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr reaches 2 career milestones on Spotify". 30 April 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr Releases New Single "bad Vibes" Feat. Seyi Vibez". www.universalmusic.ca. 10 May 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ↑ Mamo, Heran (30 May 2024). "Ayra Starr Always Dreamt of Being a 'Teenage Superstar' — At 21, She's Confident Her Music Will 'Reach All Different Parts of the World'". Billboard. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ↑ Chokrane, Boutayna. "Ayra Starr: The Year I Turned 21". Pitchfork. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ↑ Denis, Kyle (6 June 2024). "A Star(r) Comes of Age: Ayra Starr's 'The Year I Turned 21' Scoffs at the Sophomore Slump (Critic's Take)". Billboard. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
- ↑ Savage, Mark (25 June 2024). "Ayra Starr on her 'crazy' Glastonbury debut and meeting Rihanna". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ↑ Claxton, Christopher (19 August 2024). "Afrobeats to the World: 4 Best Moments at Afro Nation Detroit". Billboard. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
- ↑ Pointer, Flisadam (11 February 2025). "Ayra Starr Has 'All The Love' To Give On Her Affirming New Single". UPROXX. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ Baisie, Seli (19 February 2025). "MOBO Awards: Ayra Starr makes history as first woman to win Best African Act". Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr makes history with first BET award for Best International Act". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 10 June 2025. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr signs management deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ Rys, Heran Mamo, Dan (30 July 2025). "African Fresh Picks: Tyla & Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Odeal, Burna Boy, Asake & Tiakola, Fireboy DML & More". Billboard. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ "Watch The Weeknd, Shakira, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, and Camilo Perform at the Global Citizen Festival on September 27". Global Citizen. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ "Shakira, Cardi B, ROSÉ, Tyla, Rema, Ayra Starr, Mariah the Scientist, Camilo & Elyanna Light Up the 2025 Global Citizen Festival". Global Citizen. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ Farrell, Margaret (17 October 2025). "Ayra Starr & Rema Share New Single "Who's Dat Girl?"". Stereogum. Retrieved 20 October 2025.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr to headline 2025 Tidal Rave Festival". 30 October 2025. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, others to headline Tidal Rave Festival 2025 - Ghana Weekend". 12 November 2025. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "GOAT Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Details Announced". antimusic.com. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ↑ "When will Jon Bellion & Ayra Starr release "BROUGHT THE FAMILY"?". Genius. Retrieved 16 January 2026.
- ↑ Ben, David (22 January 2026). "Ayra Starr Says She's Ready To Release Her Album in 2026". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
- ↑ Wagner, Leonie (16 February 2026). "BRED Abu Dhabi adds Bryson Tiller and Ayra Starr to 2026 line-up". What's On. Retrieved 17 February 2026.
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- ↑ Akhimien, Nosakhale (27 March 2026). "Again, Ayra Starr Wins Best International Act at 2026 MOBO Awards". Channels Television. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
- ↑ Dunworth, Liberty (27 March 2026). "Olivia Dean triumphs again at MOBO Awards – check out the full winners list here". NME. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr Announces Third Album "Starr Girl" on Jennifer Hudson Show". Album Talks. 16 April 2026. Retrieved 17 April 2026.
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- ↑ Ademola, Bisi (1 June 2024). "The Year I Turned 21 By Ayra Starr: Not 19 But Still Dangerous". African Folder. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
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- ↑ "Ayra Starr". 1883 Magazine. 25 February 2021. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- ↑ Nwanji, Ngozi (30 July 2024). "Did you know Ayra Starr learned how to sing from YouTube?". REVOLT. Retrieved 27 October 2025.
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- ↑ "Women of Afrobeats: A New Era of Power, Presence, and Possibility". Spotify. 22 September 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
- ↑ Olowookere, Dipo (5 December 2022). "Spotify Names Ayra Starr as Most Streamed Female Artist in Nigeria". Business Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ↑ Udugba, Anthony (4 December 2025). "Ayra Starr becomes the most-streamed female artist on Spotify Nigeria – Businessday NG". BusinessDay. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- 1 2 Writer, Rob Taylor Jr-Courier Staff (27 June 2024). "Afrobeats star Ayra Starr is the voice of today's generation". New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
- ↑ Oriowo, Ayomide (2 April 2023). "Ayra Starr Becomes the First Female Artiste to Reach No. 1 on the Official Artiste Top 100 Chart in Nigeria". www.turntablecharts.com. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr clinches UK platinum certification for 'Rush'". The Punch. 7 May 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
- ↑ "Ninho décroche son 58ème single diamant". Musique (in French). 23 September 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
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- ↑ Fasan, Yewande (19 July 2025). "Ayra Starr earns RIAA Latin diamond certification with 'Santa'". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
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{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link) - ↑ "MAJOR: Maybelline Taps Ayra Starr as New Sub-Saharan African Spokesperson". BN Style. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
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- ↑ "Ayra Starr Shines in Runway Debut at Dipetsa London Fashion Show". Penshot Publications. 26 February 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ↑ Smith, Niall (15 November 2021). "Ayra Starr: Afropop's Bold New Leader | Notion Interview". Notion. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
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- ↑ "Teen Vogue Presents: Africa's New Wave". www.condenast.com. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
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- ↑ Geqiwe, Anele (19 May 2023). "Introducing our second music issue cover star, Ayra Starr". GQ. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
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- ↑ "Ayra Starr comes of age". hungermag.com. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 29 November 2025.
- ↑ Nation, The (29 August 2024). "Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr to star in Jade Osiberu's "Christmas in Lagos"". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 17 January 2025.
- ↑ "Children of Blood and Bone movie expands star-studded cast with Amandla Stenberg, Idris Elba, Viola Davis and more". Winter is Coming. 24 January 2025. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ↑ Starr, Ayra (7 May 2026). "I can't speak for everyone but…". Ayra Starr. Retrieved 9 May 2026.
- 1 2 "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". The NET. Lagos, Nigeria. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ↑ Ezeh, Mario (18 May 2014). "Afrimma Nominees". AFRIMMA. Archived from the original on 15 October 2021. Retrieved 17 October 2021.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr Wins Best International Act At 2026 MOBO Awards". 28 March 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Adekunle, Musa (27 March 2026). "FULL LIST: Wizkid, Ayra Starr, Niko Omilana win at 2026 MOBO Awards". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "Ayra Starr nominated in two categories at 2026 MOBO Awards". Music In Africa. 16 January 2026. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
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- ↑ Pilley, Max (18 February 2025). "Here are all the winners from the MOBO Awards 2025". NME. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (5 September 2022). "Headies 2022: All the winners". Music in Africa. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ↑ "17th Headies Award Winners". The Headies. 29 April 2025. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
- ↑ "Pheelz and Ayra Starr Make History With BET 2022 Award Nominations". Tooxclusive. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- ↑ Atkinson, Katie (26 June 2023). "Here Are the 2023 BET Awards Winners: Full List". Billboard. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
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- ↑
- "FULL LIST: Asake, Tobi Amusan, Osimhen nominated for TFAA 2023". TheCable. 26 September 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2023.
- "Winners of the 17th Edition of The Future Awards Africa". The Future Awards Africa. 30 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ Grein, Paul (8 August 2023). "Taylor Swift Is Top Nominee for 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (Complete List)". Billboard. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ↑ Willman, Chris (6 August 2024). "Taylor Swift Leads MTV VMAs Nominations With 10, as Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and Eminem Also Get a Big Look". Variety. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
- ↑ Green, Walden (7 September 2025). "MTV VMAs 2025 Winners: See the Full List Here". Pitchfork. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ "3Music Awards 2024: All the winners". Music in Africa. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ Shumba, Ano (8 October 2024). "Tyla and Ayra Starr lead Africa with four 2024 MTV EMAs nods". Music in Africa. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
- ↑ Fofana, Amadu (28 October 2024). "MTN Liberia Music Awards 2024: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ↑ "The TurnTable 2024 Music Awards". TurnTable Charts. TurnTable. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
- ↑ "African Entertainment Awards USA: All the winners". Music In Africa. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Gaanakgomo, Constance (28 August 2025). "Black Motion dominates #SAMA31 nominations with four nods". News24. Retrieved 21 October 2025.
- ↑ Africa, The Beats of (14 May 2025). "The Real Winner at Les Flammes? The Culture Itself". The Beats of Africa. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Africa, The Beats of (14 May 2025). "The Real Winner at Les Flammes? The Culture Itself". The Beats of Africa. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
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