Here are 10 Fascinating Facts About Ayra Starr, Nigeria’s Rising Afrobeats Star
Ayra Starr has undoubtedly become the face of the young generation of female Afrobeats singers. From her melodies, aura and non-stop hits, she has taken the Afrobeats scene by storm. But beyond the chart-topping hits and captivating music videos, there’s more to this young songstress than meets the eye.
Check out ten intriguing facts about Ayra Starr that you might not know.
1. She has Bi-national Background:
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderigbigbe on June 14th, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, Ayra Starr boasts a bi-national heritage. While Benin is her birthplace, she spent a significant part of her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, due to her father’s work.
The singer’s upbringing was a unique blend of cultural exposure and the challenges of frequent relocation. With four siblings by her side, she has shared that she had a vibrant and supportive childhood. However, her father’s business necessitated frequent moves during her high school years.
2. Her Younger Brother is into Music
She has a younger brother, Dami Aderibigbe, who is also a musician. Performing under the stage name MILAR, he co-wrote the track “Away” from Ayra’s debut EP, Ayra Starr. Milar’s talent extends beyond Ayra Starr’s music. His co-writing credit on Johnny Drille’s song, “Mystery Girl,”
3. She went from Modelling to Music
There’s no denying she is such a pretty face; before sweeping audiences off their feet with her vocals, Ayra Starr dabbled in modelling. She graced the pages of publications like Esperanza Woman and Complete Fashion Magazine, showcasing another facet of her artistic talents.
4. Social media was her initial form of publicity
In recent years, it has become quite common for artists to be discovered via the internet by major movers and shakers in the music industry. We witnessed the likes of Moyorkun and Terri get discovered after uploading covers of songs on their respective Instagram pages.
Ayra Starr has a similar story. In 2019, she began trying to push her music by uploading covers of established artists like 2Baba and Andra Day on social media platforms, majorly Instagram. These covers, testaments to her raw talent and vocal prowess, garnered a loyal online following that would eventually play a role in her discovery.
5. The Meaning Behind the Name
The stage name “Ayra Starr” wasn’t chosen on a whim. According to Ayra herself, it embodies the concept of being “woke” and “eye-opening,” reflecting the themes of consciousness and self-awareness that often permeate her music. During interviews, she has always shared her conviction even as a child, to become a superstar.
According to her, she had always wanted to begin her career at an early age and always fancied being a “teenage sensation”, which eventually, was what she became.
6. A Viral Song Sparked Her Dream Career
Before getting any major tractions, a very determined Ayra was constantly uploading covers on Instagram, but none seemed to get her to where she was aiming. Eventually, in 2019, she uploaded a song titled “Damage” to her Instagram page, and it went viral. This unexpected success caught the attention of the legendary Don Jazzy, founder of Mavin Records. Impressed by her talent, Don Jazzy signed Ayra Starr, kickstarting her meteoric rise in the music industry.
Two years after being taken under the Main umbrella, she released her very first EP which was self-titled. The EP went on to cement her as the dominant teenage sensation she became, with the hit single ‘Away’ gaining massive success across airwaves and streaming platforms.
7. She is the third female artist to join Mavin Records:
Ayra Starr’s signing with Mavin Records marked a significant moment for the label, solidifying its commitment to promoting female talent in Afrobeats. While she may be the third female artist to join their ranks, her arrival comes at a time when female voices are increasingly shaping the sound of the genre.
Previously, Mavin Records had nurtured the careers of talented female artists like Tiwa Savage, who left in 2019 to pursue a new chapter with Universal Music Group, and Di’ja, whose debut single garnered international recognition.
Don Jazzy, the label’s founder, has shown a consistent dedication to promoting female talent. By signing Ayra Starr, he continues to build a diverse roster that reflects the changing landscape of Afrobeats.
8. She faced bullying in school
Ayra Starr’s journey to stardom wasn’t without its challenges. Her time at Les Cours Sonou University, where she earned a BA in international relations and political science, was marked by bullying from classmates due to her age and appearance. This adversity, however, became a catalyst for her artistic expression.
Finding solace in music, particularly the empowering anthems of Nicki Minaj, Ayra Starr used it as a shield against negativity.
By immersing herself in the music of strong female artists, she found a sense of confidence and identity.
9. Her Father is Late
Ayra’s father has sadly passed away, but she continues to cherish his memory and draw inspiration from him. On her social media, she wrote that her father was a “go-getter” who lived life on his own terms, creating his own rules and being unapologetic about it. She described him as the “real O.G.”
Reflecting on the incident, Ayra shared that she has learned there is no set template for life and emphasised the importance of living life the way one wants because, ultimately, everyone faces the end alone. She mentioned that on Sunday, she faced a choice: to stay at home and mourn the unfairness of his death or to transform the situation into a source of inspiration, as her father would have done. She chose the latter.
10. Major Part of Her Inspiration Stemmed From Loss
Ayra Starr has openly spoken about the influence her father’s passing has had on her music. While the details remain private, it’s evident that this profound loss has shaped her artistry, adding depth and emotional resonance to her lyrics.
In her most recent body of work, her sophomore album dubbed ‘’The Year I Turned 21”, Ayra honours her father in the album’s 14th track which she titled ‘The Kids Are Alright’. The tear-triggering song also features vocals from all of Ayra’s siblings who share affectionate words with their loving dad.
The loss of her father at an early age left Ayra under the care of her mother and grandmother who she continuously hails in interviews and shares a close bond with.
