Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
Elevated experiences celebrating the culture through dance and rhythm
In just five years, Ayra Starr has transformed from a promising newcomer into one of Afrobeats’ most commanding global voices. The Nigerian superstar, who dropped her debut EP in 2021, has since collected accolades that artists twice her age are still chasing—Grammy and Billboard nominations, MTV Europe Music Award nods, and most notably, the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act. But for Ayra, the rush isn’t just a song lyric; it’s the reality of her meteoric rise.
The “Sabi Girl” has graced stages that once seemed reserved only for music’s elite, including sharing the spotlight with Coldplay and preparing for the September 27 Global Citizen Festival in New York alongside Cardi B, Shakira, and fellow African sensation Tyla. In a revealing conversation, Ayra reflected on what these milestone moments mean for both her journey and Afrobeats’ global expansion. “It takes me back to when I was growing up listening to their songs and being the most adorable fangirl,” she shared, particularly noting her admiration for Shakira. Yet beneath the fangirl excitement lies a deeper understanding of her role. “There are Afrobeats superstars who have done incredible things by paving the way for artists like me. I’m just glad to be able to contribute my own quota in a way that promotes the culture.”
Her approach to performing at this elite level reveals an artist comfortable in her own skin. Before hitting massive stages, Ayra keeps things surprisingly low-key—goofing around backstage and, remarkably, catching quick naps. “Sabi girl no dey carry last,” she explained, emphasizing how this energy flows through her curated setlists, choreography, and overall stage presence. When asked about carrying Afrobeats on her shoulders, she acknowledged the responsibility without letting it weigh her down: “It’s not a crippling sense of responsibility, but first the sense of duty to myself, then the responsibility to pay forward what I’m now enjoying.” With her latest album Starrgirl dominating charts and “Heaven Baby” becoming a certified fan favorite, Ayra Starr isn’t just living the dream—she’s actively shaping the future of African music on the world stage.
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