Ayra Starr

Early Life

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, was born in Benin and raised in both Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria. Coming from a Nigerian and Yoruba heritage, she is the second of five children in her family. While her father encouraged her to focus on academics, her mother supported her artistic ambitions, fostering her love for music from a young age. Ayra attended Les Cours Sonou University in Cotonou, where she earned a BA in international relations and political science. Her early musical influences included her mother, a former singer, and her brother Damilola, who played guitar.

Career Beginnings

Ayra's journey into music began in earnest when she finished second on the Nigerian talent show Maltina Dance All as a child. In 2018, she signed with Quove Models, but it was her social media presence that truly launched her music career. By 2019, she was posting song covers and eventually released her original song "Damage" on Instagram, which caught the attention of Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy. This led to her signing with the label and her first professional recording sessions.

Artistic Development

Starr's musical style is a blend of Afropop and R&B, characterized by her dynamic vocal range and emotional delivery. She often writes lyrics in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba, addressing themes of love, empowerment, and freedom. Her debut album, "19 & Dangerous," showcased her genre-fluid approach, incorporating elements of neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. Following the success of her hit single "Bloody Samaritan," she developed a mentorship with Kelly Rowland, further solidifying her place in the music industry. Ayra Starr continues to captivate audiences with her unique sound and relatable lyrics, establishing herself as a prominent figure in contemporary African music.