Ayra Starr is a young Nigerian singer and songwriter who rose to fame in 2021 with her breakout single “Bloody Samaritan.” She was born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe on August 15, 2000 in Cotonou, Benin. Starr was raised between Benin and Lagos, Nigeria.
As a child, Starr always had a passion for music and started writing her own songs at the age of 10. She taught herself how to play the guitar and piano and began recording covers and uploading them online in her teens. This caught the attention of KeyQaad, an independent record label based in Lagos, who signed Starr in 2019 when she was just 18 years old.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ayra Starr was born in Cotonou, Benin in 2000, but moved between Benin and Lagos, Nigeria frequently as a child. Her mother worked for the UN, while her father was an architect.
Even from a young age, Starr was deeply passionate about music. At age 10, she wrote her first song and quickly started gaining attention for her songwriting abilities.
In her early teens, Starr taught herself to play guitar and piano. She began recording covers of popular songs and uploading them to Instagram and YouTube. Her covers gained popularity online, signaling the promise of her talent.
Signing with Mavin Records and Rising Success
In 2019, at age 18, Starr was signed to KeyQaad, an independent label in Lagos. She released her first single “Damage” later that year, which introduced her smooth vocals and versatility as an artist.
In 2021, she signed with Mavin Records, which propelled her career to new heights. Under Mavin, she released her breakout single “Bloody Samaritan” in May 2021. The afrobeats song became a major hit across Nigeria and Africa. Its music video has over 5 million views on YouTube.
The success of “Bloody Samaritan” led to Starr releasing her debut EP “Ayra Starr” in August 2021. Singles like “Away” and “Sare” gained her critical acclaim for her songwriting and vocal skills. She was nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist at the 2021 Headies Awards.
Musical Style and Influences
Starr’s music is a blend of afrobeats, R&B, soul, and alternative music. Her vocals have been compared to R&B singers like Ari Lennox.
Some of her biggest musical influences are alternative artists like SZA, Daniel Caesar, and Frank Ocean. She’s cited them as inspirations for her smooth, laidback vocal style and vulnerability as a songwriter.
Despite her young age, Starr writes lyrics with an emotional depth and introspection beyond her years. Her songs often focus on relationships, heartbreak, and navigating adversity.
Ayra Starr’s Achievements and Impact
Despite only bursting onto the scene in 2021, Ayra Starr has already accomplished a great deal and made a significant impact at just 21 years old. Here are some of her major achievements so far:
- Over 5 million YouTube views for her breakout single “Bloody Samaritan”
- Debut EP “Ayra Starr” released to critical acclaim in August 2021
- Nominated for Headies Award for Best Breakthrough Artist in 2021
- Named one of OkayAfrica’s Top 10 Female Artists to watch
- Featured in YouTube Music Foundry Class of 2022
- Ranked #2 on TurnTable Top 50 chart in October 2021
- Over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify
In a short time, Starr has become one of the fastest rising stars in Afropop music. She’s helped bring African alternative music to a more mainstream global audience.
Starr’s vulnerable songwriting and stunning vocals have inspired her fanbase of “Starrlings.” She represents a new generation of Nigerian artists blending genres like afrobeats, R&B, and soul.
As her career continues to grow, Ayra Starr has proven she has the talent and artistry to become one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports. Her unique style has sparked conversations about the future of Afropop.
Notable Ayra Starr Songs and Music Videos
Here is an overview of some of Ayra Starr’s most popular songs and music videos so far in her blossoming career:
Bloody Samaritan
This afrobeats track was Starr’s breakout single in 2021 under Mavin Records. Its music video has over 5 million YouTube views.
Away
A single from Starr’s debut EP, “Away” highlights her vocal range and penchant for vulnerable songwriting
Damage
Starr’s first official single, released in 2019 under her first label KeyQaad. It showcased her talent even as a new artist.
Rush
One of Starr’s most popular songs, “Rush” highlights her sultry R&B vocals and vibe.
Sare
This pop track from her EP shows Starr’s versatility across genres from afrobeats to pop.
Starr has quickly proven herself as an artist with range and creative vision. Her songs showcase her talent for captivating songwriting and vocals that draw from R&B, soul and afrobeats.
Ayra Starr’s Impact on the African Music Scene
Despite her young age, Ayra Starr has already made a noticeable impact on the music scene in Africa:
- Mainstreaming Alternative Afropop: Starr’s unique blend of afrobeats, R&B, and soul has helped bring African alternative music into the mainstream. She represents a new generation of genre-fluid artists.
- Inspiring Younger African Artists: Many younger artists in Africa look up to Starr as a role model for breaking through in music. She’s inspired other young singer-songwriters.
- Spotlighting Nigerian Music: Starr’s rapid success has helped further spotlight music from Nigeria across Africa and worldwide. Nigerian music has been booming globally, with her contributing.
- Voice for Young African Women: As a young, gifted songwriter, Starr has become a voice representing young African women breaking barriers in music.
- Unique Musical Perspective: Starr’s introspective and vulnerable lyrics make her a uniquely engaging storyteller for her generation in Africa.
While still early in her career, the critical and commercial success Ayra Starr has earned at just 21 years old suggests she has the potential to grow into one of the biggest contemporary African musical artists worldwide. As her stardom continues rising, her impact is sure to as well.
Conclusion
In just a short few years, Ayra Starr hasalready accomplished an incredible amount. At just 21 years old, she has become one of the fastest rising and most influential stars in afrobeats music today.
After teaching herself music and gaining attention online as a teenager, Starr’s career skyrocketed after signing with Mavin Records in 2021. Her breakout single “Bloody Samaritan” catapulted her to stardom across Africa and the diaspora.
Starr’s musical style blends afrobeats, R&B, soul and alternative music into a unique sound. Her raw, intimate songwriting and stunning vocals have earned her critical acclaim and comparisons to R&B artists like SZA and Frank Ocean.
Despite her youth, Starr has demonstrated astonishing maturity as an artist. Her music explores complex themes like relationships, adversity and hardship through poetic lyrics delivered with her wispy, melodic vocals.
As one of the leading voices of Africa’s new generation, Starr has the talent and creativity to carry the continent’s music to the forefront of pop. If her early career is any indication, Ayra Starr has the versatility and star power to become a worldwide sensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayra Starr
Who discovered Ayra Starr?
Ayra Starr was first discovered in 2019 by KeyQaad, an independent label based in Lagos, Nigeria. They signed her at age 18 after noticing her covers online.
What record label is she currently signed to?
Starr is currently signed to Mavin Records, founded by Nigerian artist Don Jazzy. She signed with Mavin in 2021, which helped launch her mainstream success.
What is Ayra’s musical style?
Starr blends together influences from afrobeats, R&B, soul and alternative music. Her vocals are often compared to artists like SZA and Ella Mai.
Where is Ayra Starr originally from?
Starr was born in Cotonou, Benin in 2000. She was raised moving between Benin and Lagos, Nigeria throughout her childhood.
What awards has she been nominated for?
In 2021, Ayra Starr was nominated for the Headies Award for Best Breakthrough Artist following the success of her debut EP.
How old is Ayra Starr now?
Ayra Starr is currently 21 years old as of 2022. She was born on August 15, 2000.
What songs made Ayra Starr famous?
“Bloody Samaritan” and “Away” were the breakout singles in 2021 that propelled Starr’s fame across Africa. “Rush” and “Sare” have also contributed to her success.
Who are Ayra’s musical influences?
SZA, Frank Ocean, Daniel Caesar and other alternative R&B artists have heavily influenced Starr’s musical style and vulnerable songwriting.
How many followers does she have on Instagram?
As of January 2023, Ayra Starr has 1.5 million followers on her Instagram account @ayra_starr. Her fame on social media continues to grow.