Ayra Starr Biography
Oyinkansola Born in Benin, Sarah Aderibigbe (born June 14, 2002) is a Nigerian singer better known by her stage name, Ayra Starr.
At sixteen, she started working as a fashion model with Quove Model Management, but she ultimately chose to focus on her musical career.
In December 2019, she shared her first original song on her Instagram profile after covering other songs by well-known musicians.
Don Jazzy, a record executive, saw her because of this and signed her to his label, Mavin Records.
Ayra Starr gained widespread recognition in 2021 with her debut EP and hit song Away, which charted on Billboard and Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50.
Her first full-length mixtape, 19 & Dangerous, blended R&B and Afropop, receiving critical acclaim and producing multiple charting hits.
Her song Bloody Samaritan made history as the first solo track by a female artist to top the Top 50 chart.
In 2022, Rush brought her international fame, charting globally and earning her a Grammy nomination.
She also became the first African female artist to hit 100 million YouTube views in five months.
In 2024, she released The Year I Turned 21 and debuted as an actress, continuing to advocate for inclusivity.
Ayra Starr’s Wikipedia
Full Name: Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
Nickname: Ayra Starr
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: 14 June 2002
Age: 23 years old (as of May 2025)
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Place of Birth: Cotonou, Benin
Current Residence: Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality: Beninese-Nigerian
Ethnicity: African
Religion: Christianity
Sexuality: Straight
Physical Attributes
Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)
Weight: 132 lbs (60 kg)
Body Measurements: 35-26-35 inches (89-66-89 cm)
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Family & Personal Life
Siblings: 4
Relationship Status: Single
Education & Career
College: Les Cours Sonou University
Profession: Fashion model, singer, social media influencer
Net Worth: $500K–$1M
Social Media
Instagram: @ayrastarr
TikTok: @ayrastarr
Ayra Starr’s Early Life and Education
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, and grew up there as well as in Lagos, Nigeria. She is Nigerian and of Edo ethnicity.
During her high school years, her family moved frequently due to her father’s business, making it difficult for her to form close friendships.
Raised in a music-loving family, her passion for singing was largely influenced by her upbringing. At the age of 10, she joined a high school choir and began writing songs with her brother.
She later attended Les Cours Sonou University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science.
During college, she was often bullied by her classmates because of her age and appearance.
To cope with this, she turned to music, saying, “I would listen to Nicki Minaj on my way to school, and I’d feel like the second Nicki Minaj.”
Her mother was highly supportive of her musical ambitions and consistently encouraged her to pursue a singing career.
Ayra Starr Career
2018–2020: Early Career and Beginnings:
In August 2018, Ayra Starr signed with Quove Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency. She modeled for brands such as Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, and Esperanza Woman.
In 2019, she began posting covers of songs by artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia online.
She chose her stage name because, in her words, “it means woke and eye-opening, and that’s what I stand for.” She also appeared in the music video for Eri Ife’s song Dear Future Wife.
In December 2019, she uploaded an original song called Damage on her Instagram page.
The song caught the attention of Don Jazzy, a prominent Nigerian producer and music executive, leading to her signing with Mavin Records.
In 2020, she began recording at Mavin Studios in Lagos with producers Louddaaa and Don Jazzy.
2021–2023: Ayra Starr and 19 & Dangerous:
On January 22, 2021, she released her self-titled debut extended play (Ayra Starr) through Mavin Records.
The EP was described as “a topsy-turvy chronicle of love-themed situations” and combined elements of R&B, neo-soul, and Afropop. Starr aimed to create music that resonated with both young and older audiences.
The EP’s mixing and mastering were done by Ikon, Louddaaa, and Johnny Drille.
She wrote one track alone and co-wrote the remaining four with her brother, Dami.
Shortly after its release, the EP topped the Nigeria iTunes and Apple Music charts. By March 2021, it had reached number one on Apple Music in four other countries, amassing over 15 million streams across Spotify, YouTube, and Audiomack.
The lead single, Away, peaked at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and number 17 on the US Billboard Top Triller Global chart.
The accompanying music video debuted on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10. OkayAfrica included Away in their list of The 9 Best Nigerian Songs of January 2021.
Between March and April 2021, Starr released remixes of Ija and Away, featuring Tokimonsta and Lilo, respectively.
Around the same time, she was featured on In Sync, a track from Crayon’s EP Twelve A.M. She also performed at the University of California, Berkeley’s Nigerian Students Association virtual culture show, The Olori Awards.
In April 2021, she released the official music video for DITR, followed by the video for Sare in June. Both videos were directed by Afolabi Olalekan. On July 11, 2021, she performed at the season finale of Nigerian Idol.
On August 6, 2021, she released her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous.
The album featured production from Louddaaa, Don Jazzy, London, and Andre Vibez, and included guest appearances from Fousheé and CKay.
It received positive reviews, with critics highlighting its blend of Afropop and R&B.
The lead single, Bloody Samaritan, became Starr’s first number-one hit on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart, making her the first female artist to achieve this milestone with a solo single.
On August 28, 2021, she ranked number two on Billboard’s Next Big Sound chart.
That same year, she was featured on In the Light, a track from Johnny Drille’s album Before We Fall Asleep, and was named a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria. She also performed at a Big Brother Naija live eviction show.
In September 2021, she collaborated with Cheque on Dangerous, a track from his album Bravo. She was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the 8th African Muzik Magazine Awards.
On September 16, 2022, she released Rush as part of the deluxe edition of 19 & Dangerous.
The song charted internationally, reaching number 24 in the UK and appearing on charts in Switzerland and Ireland.
It became the most-streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify and made her the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million YouTube views on a single video.
Rush also earned her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
On November 10, 2022, she featured on 2 Sugar, a track from Wizkid’s album More Love, Less Ego.
The song debuted at number one on Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs and number five on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
In March 2023, she announced on social media that her music was featured as a soundtrack for the Hollywood blockbuster Creed III.
On July 13, 2023, she announced her first world tour, 21: The World Tour, which included 40 stops across North America, Africa, Europe, and Australia.
On October 27, 2023, she was featured on David Guetta’s single Big FU, alongside Lil Durk.
The track charted at number 23 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and number 18 on the New Zealand Top 40 chart.
2024–Present: The Year I Turned 21:
In late 2023, Starr began working on her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21, an album that explored themes of self-discovery, love, grief, and empowerment.
She explained that the title symbolized personal growth and transformation.
The album was recorded at Mavin Studios in Lagos and featured collaborations with producers such as Louddaaa, London, Johnny Drille, and Grammy-nominated Rvssian.
On March 5, 2024, Chris Brown announced that Starr would be an opening act for his 11:11 Tour in North America, further solidifying her international presence.
On April 8, 2024, Jamaican producer Rvssian released Santa, a collaboration with Starr and reggaeton star Rauw Alejandro.
The track fused Afropop, reggaeton, and dancehall influences and helped her become the first Nigerian female artist to reach 20 million monthly Spotify listeners.
During the same month, Starr attended a Fenty event in London, where she met Rihanna.
Their interaction sparked speculation about a potential collaboration, as Rihanna expressed admiration for her music.
Ahead of the album’s release, Starr dropped several singles, including Rhythm & Blues (September 13, 2023) and Commas (February 2, 2024). Santa, released on April 8, 2024, became a standout track.
The Year I Turned 21 was officially released on May 31, 2024, through Mavin Records, featuring collaborations with Seyi Vibez, Coco Jones, Giveon, Asake, Anitta, and Rauw Alejandro.
The album blended Afrobeat rhythms with Western pop influences.
Upon release, the album debuted at number one on the Nigerian Albums Chart and entered the Billboard 200 at number 195, making Starr the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this milestone.
Critics praised its production and storytelling. Pitchfork described it as “a bold and reflective work that redefines modern Afropop.”
To promote the album, Starr embarked on The 21 Tour, performing across Africa, Europe, and North America. Her performances received widespread acclaim, with The Guardian describing the tour as “a celebration of growth, resilience, and connection.”
Additionally, she collaborated with Coldplay on Good Feelings, a track from their album Moon Music, and joined their Music of the Spheres World Tour as a supporting act in Australia and New Zealand.
Ayra Starr Artistry
Musical Style:
Although musically diverse, Starr’s sound is predominantly categorized as Afropop and R&B.
Her voice has been described in the media as “silky,” “cozy,” “delicate,” “sturdy,” “arresting,” and “soulful,” with music critics noting the dynamic nature of her vocal range and emotional delivery.
Her lyrics incorporate English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba, often exploring contemporary themes such as love, relationships, empowerment, and freedom.
With the release of her self-titled debut EP, some critics noted similarities between her vocal technique and Tems’ musical style.
In an interview with Cool FM, Starr addressed these comparisons: “I’m a young artist, and Tems is an amazing musician. For people to compare me to such a great artist is a compliment, and I’m honored.”
Motolani Alake, reviewing the EP for Pulse, wrote that while Ayra Starr is not an exact replica of Tems, her vocal delivery—especially when stretching final syllables—bears a resemblance.
However, he also noted that Tems leans towards alternative sounds, whereas Starr’s music is more Afropop-oriented.
Thandie Sibanda of Schön! Magazine described the EP as “a coming-of-age jukebox,” while Karen Chalamilla of The Floor stated that it “not only establishes Starr as a standout vocalist but also offers a glimpse into her artistic sensibilities.”
Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, primarily explored Afropop and R&B but also incorporated elements of neo-soul, jazz, and EDM.
Critics praised her genre-fluid approach, with Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of Music In Africa noting that she “seamlessly blends genres while maintaining a unique sound.”
This versatility remains a hallmark of her artistry and is further evident in her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, where she experiments with diverse genres and styles.
Bisi Ademola of African Folder described it as “a balanced mix of ambition and accessibility.”
Despite mixed reviews, the album has been widely acclaimed for its fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Amapiano, and UK-influenced sounds.
Unlike her debut album, which focused on youthful confidence, The Year I Turned 21 takes a more introspective approach, exploring themes of self-discovery and independence.
Kadish Morris of The Guardian noted that while the album creates “sultry soundscapes,” some tracks feel short, preventing full immersion in the mood.
Songs like Freedom and Desire highlight Starr’s ability to merge African rhythms with Western pop, while Let Me In showcases her emotional depth and vocal range.
Influences:
Starr grew up in a musically inclined family. She cites her mother, a former singer, and her brother Dami, a guitarist and songwriter, as her earliest inspirations.
Raised between Bénin and Nigeria, she was exposed to diverse cultures that shaped her worldview and personality.
She and her brother began writing songs at a young age, guided by their mother and aunt. Although she aspired to be a singer from the age of 10, her father encouraged her to complete her education first.
Throughout her childhood, she drew inspiration from a wide range of artists, including 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Angélique Kidjo, the Lijadu Sisters, and Tope Alabi.
During her college years, she gravitated toward international acts such as Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Sia, and Tiwa Savage.
She credits Shakira as her biggest vocal influence, alongside Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus, stating: “Listening to their music gave me a sense of power.
At the time, there weren’t many Nigerian female artists expressing themselves as boldly at least, not as much as we see today.”
She also admires Aṣa for her songwriting, saying: “She writes so beautifully. I used to study her music just to learn how to write properly.”
Public Image:
Since her rise to fame in 2021 with her debut EP Ayra Starr and the viral success of Bloody Samaritan, Starr has become not just a musical sensation but also a fashion icon and a voice for young Africans.
Her public image blends Afropop star power, bold fashion choices, and a strong connection with her audience.
Her sense of style is a defining part of her persona, earning her recognition as a trendsetter. During the rollout of 19 & Dangerous, comparisons arose between her fashion choices and those of her contemporary, Tems.
Writing for Pulse Nigeria, Temi Iwalaiye noted that while both artists project alluring personalities, Starr’s wardrobe leans toward youthful, Y2K-inspired trends featuring crop tops, micro-skirts, and vibrant colors.
OkayAfrica described her style as “a modern take on nostalgic fashion” that resonates globally.
Her debut at Paris Fashion Week in 2023, where she attended major shows such as Balenciaga, Off-White, and Casablanca, marked her entry into high fashion.
Critics praised her ability to merge cultural influences, with BellaNaija highlighting her “fearless approach to fashion,” which fuses personal taste with avant-garde designs.
At the 2024 Grammy Awards, she turned heads in a custom crystal bralette and miniskirt designed by Janice Munenge.
Pulse Nigeria described her look as a “youthful and sultry highlight of the red carpet,” emphasizing her evolving fashion identity.
Speaking about her style, Starr told BellaNaija: “Fashion is about storytelling, just like music. I’m always exploring new ways to express myself.”
Her authenticity and bold self-expression have endeared her to Gen Z audiences, who admire her openness and confidence.
In an interview with Euphoriazine, she explained: “I want my fans to feel seen through my music, to know that their stories matter.”
Her engagement with fans on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she shares personal insights and behind-the-scenes content, has further solidified her connection with her audience.
Activism:
In August 2022, Starr found herself at the center of public discourse regarding LGBTQ+ inclusivity after responding to a fan who asked if her song Cast (Gen Z Anthem) was meant for LGBTQ+ listeners.
She affirmed that her music is for everyone, regardless of their identity.
In May 2024, she sparked further discussion when she openly embraced LGBTQ+ fans during a concert in Brazil.
At the event, she was seen waving the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, and expressing solidarity with her diverse audience.
Her gesture received mixed reactions—some praised her for advocating inclusivity, while others criticized her stance, reflecting the complexities of LGBTQ+ discourse within Nigerian society.
Ayra Starr Other Ventures
In September 2021, Starr became a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria.
She was featured in the October 2021 issue of Accelerate TV’s The Cover. Later that year, she appeared in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of ODDA magazine and was also featured in a Notion editorial.
Acting:
In 2024, Starr made her acting debut in the movie Christmas in Lagos, playing herself.
She is also set to star in the upcoming American action thriller Children of Blood and Bone, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and based on the novel of the same name.
Ayra Starr’s Personal Life
As of 2025, Ayra Starr has stated multiple times that she is single and has never been in a serious relationship, as she has been focused on her music career from a young age.
In May 2024, she mentioned she had unintentionally broken a few hearts but was open to finding love. She also dismissed rumors of dating fellow artist Rema, calling him her “brother.”
In early 2025, she hinted at revealing her romantic partner in the music video for Lagos Love Story, sparking speculation.
Additionally, content creator Enioluwa Adeoluwa expressed admiration for her, joking that she might make him reconsider his stance on relationships.
Ayra Starr’s Net Worth
As of March 2025, Ayra Starr’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.
These figures reflect her earnings from her music career, modeling, and brand endorsements.
It’s important to note that net worth estimates can vary across different sources and may not account for all income streams or recent financial developments.
Ayra Starr Controversies
1. LGBTQ+ Support Controversy (2022 & 2024):
In August 2022, Ayra Starr sparked public debate when she responded to a fan on social media who asked if her song “Cast (Gen Z Anthem)” was meant for LGBTQ+ listeners.
She affirmed that her music is for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
In May 2024, she made headlines again after openly embracing LGBTQ+ fans during a concert in Brazil.
She waved a rainbow flag, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. While some fans praised her for inclusivity, others criticized her, as LGBTQ+ rights remain a sensitive topic in Nigeria.
2. Fashion Choices & Public Criticism:
Starr’s bold and revealing fashion choices have often drawn mixed reactions. Some conservative critics believe her outfits are too provocative, while others see her style as a confident expression of her personality.
She has addressed the criticism by emphasizing that fashion is a form of self-expression and empowerment.
3. Comparisons to Tems & Industry Criticism:
Upon her rise to fame, some critics argued that Ayra Starr was imitating Tems’ musical style and vocal techniques.
In response, she acknowledged Tems as a talented artist but asserted that she has her own unique artistry.
4. Grammy Awards Outfit Backlash (2024):
At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Ayra Starr wore a custom crystal bralette and miniskirt by designer Janice Munenge. While many fashion critics praised the outfit, some Nigerians felt it was too revealing.
She responded by stating that fashion is about storytelling, and she will continue to experiment with her style.
Ayra Starr Trivia
1. Real Name: Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
2. Stage Name Meaning: “Ayra” means “woke and open-minded” in Arabic, which reflects her personality.
3. Early Career: Before pursuing music, she was a fashion model signed to Quove Model Management.
4. Multilingual: She speaks English, Yoruba, French, and a bit of Pidgin English.
5. Musical Inspiration: She has cited Shakira, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and 2Face Idibia as some of her biggest influences.
6. First Hit Song: Away from her debut EP gained her widespread recognition in 2021.
7. Viral Success: Her song Bloody Samaritan became the first solo song by a female Nigerian artist to top the TurnTable Top 50 chart.
8. Education: She studied International Relations at Les Cours Sonou University in the Benin Republic.
9. Fashion Icon: Known for her bold, Y2K-inspired outfits, she has attended Paris Fashion Week and collaborated with major brands.
10. Social Media Presence: She is highly active on Instagram and TikTok, engaging frequently with her fans.
11. Grammy Recognition: She received her first Grammy nomination in 2024 for Best African Music Performance.
12. Nickname: Fans affectionately call her “Celestial Being,” a nod to her star-like aura.
Ayra Starr Discography
Albums:
19 & Dangerous (2021)
The Year I Turned 21 (2024)
Extended Plays (EPs):
Ayra Starr (2021)
Notable Singles:
Away (2021)
Bloody Samaritan (2021)
Fashion Killer (2021)
Rush (2022)
Sability (2023)
Commas (2024)
Collaborations & Featured Songs:
Overloading (Overdose) – Mavin All Stars (2022)
Won Da Mo – Mavin All Stars (2022)
2 Sugar – Wizkid ft. Ayra Starr (2022)
My Baby (Remix) – Tyla ft. Ayra Starr (2024)
Santa – Stormzy ft. Ayra Starr & Oxlade (2023)
Ayra Starr’s Social Media Handles
Instagram: @ayrastarr
TikTok: @ayrastarr
Twitter (X): @ayrastarr
Facebook: Ayra Starr
YouTube: Ayra Starr
FAQs
1. Who Is Ayra Starr?
Ayra Starr (born June 14, 2002) is a Beninese-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and model signed to Mavin Records.
She gained fame in 2021 with her debut self-titled EP, followed by her hit album “19 & Dangerous”, featuring “Bloody Samaritan.”
Her music blends Afropop, R&B, and Highlife, and she is known for her distinct voice, energetic performances, and bold fashion sense. She has won multiple awards and continues to grow as an international artist.
Beyond music, Ayra Starr is also a fashion icon and brand ambassador. She remains a key figure in Afrobeats, inspiring young artists globally.
2. What is Ayra Starr’s real name?
Her real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe.
3. When and where was Ayra Starr born?
She was born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin.
4. What is Ayra Starr’s nationality?
She holds Beninese-Nigerian nationality.
5. How old is Ayra Starr?
As of March 2025, she is 23 years old.
6. Where does Ayra Starr live now?
She currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria.
7. How did Ayra Starr become famous?
She gained recognition after signing with Mavin Records in 2020 and releasing her debut self-titled EP in 2021, which included the hit song “Away.”
8. What are Ayra Starr’s most popular songs?
“Bloody Samaritan”
“Rush”
“Away”
“Sability”
“Commas”
9. What are Ayra Starr’s musical influences?
She has cited Shakira, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Sia, and Tiwa Savage as major inspirations.
10. What is Ayra Starr’s genre of music?
Her music blends Afropop, R&B, neo-soul, and Afrobeats.
11. Does Ayra Starr have any siblings?
Yes, she has four siblings, including her brother Dami Aderibigbe, who is also a songwriter and guitarist.
12. Did Ayra Starr go to university?
Yes, she studied at Les Cours Sonou University in Benin.
13. Is Ayra Starr dating anyone?
As of now, Ayra Starr is single and has not publicly confirmed any relationship.
14. What is Ayra Starr’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million.
15. What awards has Ayra Starr won?
Best Female Artist at the Soundcity MVP Awards (2023)
The Headies Award for Viewers’ Choice (2022)
The Headies Award for Best Vocal Performance (Female) (2023)
16. What was Ayra Starr’s first album?
Her debut album “19 & Dangerous” was released in 2021.
17. What languages does Ayra Starr sing in?
She sings in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba.
18. What are Ayra Starr’s social media handles?
Instagram: @ayrastarr
TikTok: @ayrastarr
Twitter (X): @ayrastarr
YouTube: Ayra Starr
In Conclusion
Ayra Starr has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most exciting young artists in Afrobeats. With her unique voice, genre-blending music, and bold personality, she has captured the attention of fans worldwide.
From her breakout hit “Bloody Samaritan” to her fashion-forward image, she continues to shape the industry.
As she expands her career with new music, acting roles, and global recognition, Ayra Starr remains a trailblazer in the African music scene with a promising future ahead.
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