Ayra Starr

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (born June 14, 2002), widely known by her stage name Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She is recognized as a prominent voice in the modern Afrobeats movement, blending elements of Afrobeats, R&B, alté, and Afro-pop. She is signed to Mavin Records and Roc Nation. Early Life and Education Ayra Starr was born in Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Nigerian parents and holds both Beninese and Nigerian heritage. She spent her formative years in Cotonou before relocating to Nigeria. She pursued her education diligently, motivated by a desire to focus on her music career afterward. She gained admission to Les Cours Sonou University at age 14, graduating with a degree in International Relations and Political Science by 2020. During her youth, she turned to music as an escape from bullying. Before focusing solely on music, she also worked briefly as a model, signing with Quove Model Management at age 16. Career Progression and Notable Works Ayra Starr's music career officially began when she was discovered by music executive Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records, on social media (X, formerly Twitter) in December 2019 after she had been sharing covers and original songs on Instagram. She was subsequently signed to Mavin Records. Her debut single, "Away," was released in 2021. Her major breakthrough came with the release of the lead single "Bloody Samaritan" from her debut album, *19 & Dangerous*. "Bloody Samaritan" became a massive hit, marking the first time a solo female artist topped the Nigerian Top 50 charts. Her subsequent single, "Rush" (2022), solidified her international presence and became arguably her biggest hit, known for its confidence, vocals, and infectious hook. In 2024, she released her second album, *The Year I Turned 21*. Major Achievements and Current Status Ayra Starr has received significant recognition early in her career. In August 2021, she was ranked number three on Billboard's Next Big Sound chart. Her awards include being named the breakout artist of the year by Nigerian Entertainment Today in 2022. She is notably the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards. In 2023, she was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the music category. She has also been nominated for major awards, including a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance (2024) and a BET Award for Best International Act. Currently, Ayra Starr continues to actively release music and tour internationally, maintaining her status as one of the most dynamic and influential female artists in the Afrobeats genre.