When you hear the name Ayra Starr, what comes to mind? The sensational Afrobeat artist with a voice that can move you, or the bold, vibrant woman taking the Nigerian music scene by storm? Ayra Starr’s rise to fame has been nothing short of remarkable.
From being a model to transforming into a musical powerhouse, her story resonates with anyone chasing their dreams against all odds. If you’re new to Ayra Starr or looking to know more about her background, this article dives deep into her biography, career milestones, net worth, and much more.
To understand the person behind the name, you must first explore who Ayra Starr is. Her real name, early beginnings, and transition from being a model to an Afrobeat sensation make up a compelling narrative. This comprehensive biography will walk you through her life, musical journey, achievements, and future prospects.
Ayra Starr biography showcases her fame and the essence of her individuality. From her childhood in Nigeria to her rapid rise in the music industry, let’s delve into the life of this talented artist.
Ayra Starr Biography: Who is Ayra Starr?
Ayra Starr, also known as Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, was born on 14 June 2002 in Benin City, Nigeria, and grew up in a loving family that nurtured her creativity. Nigerian parents raised Ayra Starr in Lagos, and her passion for music started at a very young age, but it wasn’t always clear that she would pursue it professionally.
Her early life wasn’t glamorous but filled with passion for arts and music. As a child, she was fascinated by the sounds of her environment, from Lagos’s bustling streets to Nigeria’s vibrant culture.
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Her journey to stardom began when she started posting cover songs on Instagram, where her unique voice quickly captured the attention of music lovers. Her style, blending Afrobeat, pop, and R&B, would soon become her trademark. Little did she know, those Instagram videos would be the spark that ignited her career.
Ayra Starr Career: Modeling and Musical Careers
Ayra Starr’s career has been a fascinating blend of modeling and musical artistry, which has propelled her to prominence in the Nigerian and global entertainment scene.
Modeling Career
Ayra Starr began her career in the fashion world in August 2018 when she signed with Quove Models, a modeling agency based in Lagos. Her striking appearance and confidence made her a natural fit for the fashion industry.
She worked with several notable brands, including Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, and Esperanza Woman, showcasing her versatility as a model. However, it was not long before she transitioned from modeling to pursuing her passion for music, ultimately defining her career.
Musical Career
Starr’s musical journey began in 2019 when she started posting cover songs on social media, covering tracks by artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia. Her raw talent quickly gained attention, and she uploaded her first original track, “Damage,” to Instagram. This song caught the attention of Don Jazzy, the head of Mavin Records, who subsequently signed her to the label, marking the beginning of her successful music career.
In 2021, Starr released her debut self-titled extended play through Mavin Records. The EP explored love-related themes, combining elements of R&B/neo-soul with Afropop, and resonated with a wide audience, both young and old.
The success of her EP was evident as it topped charts in Nigeria and several other countries, with hits like “Away” and its remix version making waves across the globe. Her debut project garnered over 15 million streams and was featured on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10.
The release of her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous, in 2021 took her career to new heights. The album, which combined Afropop and R&B, received critical acclaim and birthed the hit song “Bloody Samaritan,” which became Starr’s first number-one single on the Nigerian charts.
The album also earned her recognition on global platforms like Pandora Predictions and Billboard’s Next Big Sound chart. Ayra Starr’s brand grew further with her partnership with Pepsi Nigeria and her captivating performances, including one at the season finale of Nigerian Idol.
In 2022, Starr’s hit single “Rush” from the deluxe version of 19 & Dangerous was a massive success, charting in several countries and earning her the distinction of becoming the most-streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify. The song also contributed to her first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Her international reach expanded further with collaborations, such as her appearance on Wizkid’s album More Love, Less Ego and her feature on the track “2 Sugar,” which reached number 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending.
Ayra Starr continued to rise as a global star, appearing on the soundtracks of blockbuster movies like Creed III and announcing her first world tour, “21: The World Tour,” in 2023. The tour, which spanned North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, solidified her presence as a global musical force.
In 2024, Ayra Starr released her highly anticipated second album, The Year I Turned 21, a project that showcased her growth as an artist, both musically and personally. The album explored love, self-discovery, and empowerment themes, featuring collaborations with artists like Coco Jones, Asake, and Rauw Alejandro.
Her journey into adulthood was reflected in the album’s title and its emotionally resonant tracks. The album’s release marked a new milestone in her career, debuting at number 1 on the Nigerian Albums Chart and entering the Billboard 200, making her the first Nigerian female artist to achieve such success.
Starr’s career trajectory in 2024 also saw her become the first female Nigerian artist to surpass 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her increasing international visibility has led to collaborations with global artists and performances on prestigious stages, including Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour.
Through her modeling and musical careers, Ayra Starr has proven herself an influential and versatile talent. She consistently pushes boundaries and evolves as an artist. Her ability to merge Afrobeat rhythms with global pop and R&B influences has made her a defining voice in contemporary music, and her international appeal is growing.
Ayra Starr: The Name Behind the Artist
Before she became the artist we know today, Ayra Starr was known simply as Sarah Aderibigbe. However, she chose the stage name “Ayra Starr” to reflect her artistic vision and personality. “Ayra” means “prestige,” while “Starr” symbolizes her ambition to shine in the music industry. The name perfectly reflected her identity, resonating with fans who felt her energy and passion in her music.
Her stage name was carefully chosen, as she wanted a memorable name connected to her Nigerian roots. As Ayra Starr rose to fame, the name became synonymous with Afrobeat success, representing her journey from an unknown artist to a global star.
Discography
Ayra Starr musical journey has been marked by impressive releases that have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Below is a list of her major works:
- Ayra Starr (EP) (2020): This debut EP introduced Ayra to the world with hits like “Away” and “Sare.” The project helped establish her as one of the fresh new faces in the Nigerian music scene.
- 19 & Dangerous (Album) (2021): Her first studio album, 19 & Dangerous, was a game-changer. Tracks like “Away,” “Sare,” and “Fashion Killer” further cemented her place in the industry. The album’s Afrobeat, R&B, and pop mix appealed to a wide audience.
- Singles: Throughout her career, Ayra Starr has released several successful singles such as “Away,” “Sare,” “Body Talk,” and “Beggie Beggie.”
Her discography showcases her versatility and ability to seamlessly blend various genres, making her one of her generation’s most exciting Nigerian artists.
Ayra Starr Rise to Fame
Ayra Starr’s swift rise to fame can be attributed to a combination of talent, hard work, and the right timing. While she was still a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, the release of “Away” pushed her into the spotlight. The song’s infectious beat, catchy lyrics, and Ayra’s distinctive voice made it a favorite among music lovers.
Her quick rise was also propelled by her affiliation with Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s most influential record labels. As the first female artist to be signed to Mavin in several years, Ayra brought a fresh perspective to the label, blending her style with the label’s legacy of producing top-tier Afrobeat artists.
Ayra Starr Award and Recognition
Ayra Starr has made a remarkable impact on the music scene, earning recognition and accolades for her outstanding contributions. Her journey through the world of music has been marked by several prestigious nominations and awards highlighting her talent and growing influence.
In 2021, Ayra Starr was nominated for multiple awards, including Best New Artist at the African Entertainment Awards USA and Best Newcomer at the African Muzik Magazine Awards.
That year, she also received a nod for Best African Music Act at the Mobo Awards. Her hit song “Away” earned a nomination for Most Played R&B Song at the Net Honours, underscoring her rapid rise in the industry. These early recognitions were just a glimpse of what was to come.
In 2022, Ayra Starr achieved more significant milestones. She won the Breakout Artist of the Year (Female) at the African Muzik Magazine Awards, solidifying her status as one of the leading voices in Afrobeats. Additionally, Ayra received several nominations at The Headies 2022, including Next Rated, Best R&B Single for her song “Beggie Beggie” featuring CKay, and Best Collaboration. She was also nominated for Best Vocal Performance (Female) with her track “Toxic” and Best Afrobeats Single of the Year for “Bloody Samaritan.”
Despite the stiff competition, Ayra clinched the Headies’ Viewer’s Choice award and earned a nomination for Best Afrobeats Album for her project 19 & Dangerous.
Her success continued into 2022, with nominations at the prestigious BET Awards, where she was named a contender for Best New International Act. The year 2023 brought further accolades, as Ayra Starr was once again nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards, continuing her global rise.
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Ayra Starr is poised for even greater success in 2024, with her song “Rush” nominated for Best African Music Performance at the Grammy Awards. She also received nominations for African Song of the Year with “Sability” and African Act of the Year at the 3Music Awards, proving her dominance in the music industry.
Additionally, she’s up for Best New and Best Afrobeats at the MTV Europe Music Awards and International Artist of the Year at the MTN Liberia Music Awards.
With her impressive collection of awards and nominations, Ayra Starr continues to set the bar high for future generations of musicians, earning her place among the top acts in the global music scene.
Influences
Ayra Starr’s musical influences are deeply rooted in her upbringing and diverse cultural exposure. Growing up in a musically inclined family, her mother, a former singer, and her brother, Dami Aderibigbe, a guitarist and songwriter, played crucial roles in shaping her early interest in music. From a young age, Ayra Starr was surrounded by music, and under the guidance of her mother and aunt, she and her brother began writing songs.
Her strong foundation in music and songwriting laid the groundwork for her pursuit of a music career despite her father’s encouragement first to complete her education.
In interviews, Ayra Starr shared that her musical influences span a wide range of artists from both Nigeria and abroad. During her childhood, she was inspired by prominent Nigerian artists like 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Angélique Kidjo, the Lijadu Sisters, and Tope Alabi.
These artists contributed to shaping her understanding of African music and culture. As she entered college, her musical horizons expanded to include international pop and hip-hop artists like Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Sia, and Tiwa Savage. These diverse influences helped shape her eclectic musical style.
Regarding vocal inspiration, Ayra Starr has often credited Shakira as one of her biggest influences, alongside iconic figures like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. She admires the power and emotional connection these artists evoke through their music.
According to Ayra Starr, there wasn’t a strong presence of Nigerian female artists who expressed themselves vocally with such intensity and openness when she was growing up. Their performances’ raw emotion and energy inspired her to embrace her powerful voice in her music.
Lyrically, Ayra Starr looks up to Nigerian singer-songwriter Aṣa, whose poetic writing style has significantly influenced her songwriting. She has often mentioned that she listens to Aṣa’s music to learn how to write correctly and craft meaningful lyrics. The combination of these influences—ranging from African legends to international pop icons—has allowed Ayra Starr to create a sound that uniquely blends Afrobeat, pop, and soul, capturing a wide audience while staying true to her roots.
Record Label
Ayra Starr is signed to Marvin Record, one of Nigeria’s leading music labels, founded by Don Jazzy. Mavin Records is home to many of Nigeria’s top artists, including Johnny Drille, Ladipoe, and Rema. Under this label, Ayra Starr has worked with some of the industry’s best producers and musicians, helping elevate her music career.
Featured Artists
Throughout her career, Ayra Starr has worked with some of the biggest names in the Nigerian and global music scenes. She has been featured on tracks with artists like Ckay, Lojay, and other Mavin Records (owned by Don Jazzy) artists. In return, Ayra has also featured other artists in her music, including on tracks such as “Beggie Beggie” with Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda.
Activism
Ayra Starr has used her platform to address critical social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights, and her activism has sparked both admiration and controversy. In August 2022, she found herself at the center of a public debate after responding to a fan’s question about the inclusivity of her song Cast (Gen Z Anthem).
The fan asked if the song was meant for LGBTQ+ listeners, and Starr responded affirmatively, stating that her music was for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. This response highlighted her stance on equality and her desire to make music that transcends boundaries, appealing to diverse audiences.
Her support for LGBTQ+ rights became even more visible in May 2024 during a concert in Brazil. At the event, Starr openly embraced her LGBTQ+ fans by waving a rainbow flag, a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. This solidarity sent a strong message of inclusivity and support, especially in a global context where LGBTQ+ rights are often contentious.
While many of her fans praised her for standing up for marginalized communities, the gesture was not without its critics. Some individuals, particularly in her home country of Nigeria, expressed disapproval due to the deeply rooted social and cultural opposition to LGBTQ+ issues in the region.
Starr’s actions underscore the complexities of being a public figure in an increasingly globalized world, where one’s stance on social issues can provoke mixed reactions. Despite the potential backlash, her willingness to stand up for what she believes in reflects her commitment to using her voice for change.
Through her activism, Ayra Starr has shown that she is more than just a musical icon; she advocates for human rights and inclusivity, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
Ayra Starr Net Worth
As of 2025, Ayra Starr net worth is estimated at around $1 million. She earns money through music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and collaborations. Her success on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music also contributes to her financial standing. Ayra’s rapidly growing fan base and her musical success make her one of Nigeria’s most financially successful young artists.
Social Media
Ayra Starr’s social media presence is vibrant and ever-growing. She engages with her fans on various platforms, offering a glimpse into her life and career. You can follow her on the following platforms:
- Instagram: @ayrastarr
- Twitter: @ayrastarr
Conclusion
Ayra Starr is more than just a rising star in the Afrobeat genre; she’s a force to be reckoned with. From her humble beginnings to chart-topping hits, Ayra has proven that dreams can come true with talent, perseverance, and the right platform. Her journey has just begun, and it will be exciting to see where her music takes her in the future. Whether you’re an Afrobeat lover or new to her sound, Ayra Starr biography is a story of triumph that will inspire and captivate.