Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr, also known as Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has revealed that she has “never fallen in love.”
In a recent interview with Dazed Magazine, singer Ayra Starr discussed her romantic life. Despite her public persona as a “lover girl,” Ayra Starr admitted that she has never been in a serious relationship. The 21-year-old singer from Mavin Records, who has been dedicated to her music career since she was 15, explained that this commitment has kept her single.
“I want to fall in love. I wrote ‘Lagos Love Story’ about what love would look like if I were to experience it. I am a lover girl deep in my heart, but I’m just very strong-headed about it. I actually have never been in love. I have been in certain situations—not situationships!—but I have never been in a fully committed relationship,” said singer Ayra Starr.
Ayra Starr continued, “I’ve put myself out there and I’ve tried to see what’s there, but I don’t think I’ve had the time. I’ve been working since I was 15, modeling, attending university, and now I’m constantly on the road. It’s me just enjoying myself as a girl. I’m like, let me sing to a cute boy today and look around because I can—why not?”
In June, renowned Nigerian artist Tems also disclosed that she has never fallen in love. Tems praised Ayra Starr for her dedication and hinted at potential future collaborations. Both Tems and Ayra Starr are celebrated among Nigeria’s top talents, achieving global success with numerous awards and millions of fans.
Ayra Starr gained viral fame with her 2021 hit ‘Bloody Samaritan,’ alongside her album ‘The Year I Turned 21.’ That same year, she released her debut studio album “19 and Dangerous,” featuring hits like “Away,” “Rush,” and “Bloody Samaritan,” which was later remixed with Kelly Rowland. With numerous accolades, Ayra Starr remains one of the fastest-rising stars on the continent.
Meanwhile, singer Ayra Starr,made headlines recently with her upcoming Nollywood acting debut in the Prime Video original film, Christmas In Lagos. At just 22, the Grammy-nominated singer joined a stellar cast, including Teniola A. Aladese, Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo, Shaffy Bello, and Adekunle Gold. The romantic comedy, directed by Jadesola Osiberu, explored the story of Fiyin (Aladese), who, after a heartbreak, starts to believe that her best friend Elo (Obiago) might be her true soulmate. Filmed in Lagos, the movie promised to be a festive treat for audiences.
Director Jadesola Osiberu praised singer Ayra Starr’s fearless and authentic approach, noting, “Ayra Starr represents what it means to be young, female, daring, brave, and fearless – just being yourself. She was on the list from day one.”
In addition to Ayra Starr’s role, the film featured cameo appearances from musicians Wurld and Liya. The soundtrack boasted contributions from musical legends Sunny Ade, as well as Afrobeats stars Flavour and D’banj, adding to the film’s vibrant appeal.
In related news, Ayra Starr’s debut album, The Year I Turned 21, has continued to make significant impact on the global music scene. The album has remained strong on the Billboard World Albums chart, holding the #14 spot that week. It reached a peak position of #4 and had spent 11 weeks on the chart. This achievement underscored Ayra Starr’s growing influence and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
The Year I Turned 21 blended Afrobeats with pop, R&B, and soulful melodies, reflecting singer Ayra Starr’s personal growth and artistic evolution. Her authentic storytelling and vibrant sound resonated deeply with fans and critics, highlighting her position as a leading voice in contemporary music. This sustained success on the Billboard World Albums chart not only showcased her talent but also emphasized the increasing global appeal of Nigerian music. As Ayra Starr continued to thrive both in music and acting, her influence in the entertainment industry was unmistakably expanding.
