Ayra Starr Biography” , Net Worth, Career, Education, Nationality, Age, Early Life , State Of Origin

Ayra Starr Biography

Introduction

Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and model who rose to fame in 2020 with her debut EP Ayra Starr. The EP, which featured five songs that showcased her versatility and vocal prowess, received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning her a spot on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart and the Apple Music Africa Rising playlist. Ayra Starr is widely regarded as one of the most promising and talented young artists in the Nigerian music industry, with her blend of Afro-pop, R&B, soul, and alternative genres. She is also known for her bold and expressive lyrics, which often touch on themes such as love, empowerment, feminism, and social issues.

In 2021, Ayra Starr released her debut album 19 & Dangerous, which further cemented her status as a rising star. The album, which featured collaborations with CKay and Fousheé, debuted at number one on the Apple Music Nigeria chart and number 24 on the UK Afrobeats chart. The album also received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised her growth, maturity, and experimentation with different sounds and styles. Ayra Starr has also received several awards and nominations for her music, including the Headies Award for Rookie of the Year, the MTV Africa Music Award for Breakthrough Act, and the BET Award for Best New International Act.

In this article, we will explore the life and career of Ayra Starr, from her early beginnings to her current achievements. We will also look at her personal life and controversies, as well as her artistry and influences. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of who Ayra Starr is and why she is one of the most exciting and influential artists in the African music scene.

Early Life and Education

Ayra Starr was born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic. She is the youngest of four children and has two brothers and a sister. Her father is a businessman and her mother is a nurse. Ayra Starr grew up in a musical family, as her father was a choir director and her mother was a singer. She started singing at the age of six and joined her father’s choir at the age of eight. She also learned how to play the piano and the guitar.

Ayra Starr attended the International School of Benin, where she excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities, such as drama, dance, and sports. She also developed a passion for modeling and fashion, and won several beauty pageants and modeling contests. She moved to Lagos, Nigeria, in 2018, to pursue her secondary education at the Bridge House College. She graduated in 2020 with excellent grades and secured admission to study International Relations at the University of Lagos.

Musical Career

2020: Debut EP Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s musical career began in 2019, when she started posting covers of popular songs on her Instagram account. She caught the attention of Don Jazzy, the founder and CEO of Mavin Records, one of the leading record labels in Nigeria. Don Jazzy was impressed by her talent and signed her to his label in 2020. He also became her mentor and producer, and helped her develop her sound and style.

Ayra Starr released her debut EP Ayra Starr on January 22, 2020, to rave reviews and widespread acclaim. The EP, which was entirely produced by Don Jazzy, featured five songs: Away, Ija, DITR, Sare, and Memories. The songs showcased her versatility and vocal range, as she effortlessly switched between Afro-pop, R&B, soul, and alternative genres. The songs also reflected her personality and perspective, as she sang about love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and social issues. The EP was a commercial success, as it debuted at number one on the Apple Music Nigeria chart and number 10 on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart. It also received over 10 million streams across various platforms within a month of its release.

The EP also spawned several hit singles, such as Away, which became her signature song and received heavy rotation on radio and TV stations. The song also won her the Headies Award for Best Alternative Song in 2021. Another single, Ija, which featured a remix with Tokimonsta, also became a fan favorite and received positive feedback from critics. The EP also earned her a spot on the Apple Music Africa Rising playlist, which showcases the best emerging artists from the continent.

2021: 19 & Dangerous Album

Ayra Starr followed up her successful EP with her debut album 19 & Dangerous, which was released on August 6, 2021. The album, which was also produced by Don Jazzy, featured 11 songs, including two collaborations with CKay and Fousheé. The album was a departure from her EP, as it showed her growth, maturity, and experimentation with different sounds and styles. The album also reflected her experiences and emotions as a 19-year-old woman, as she sang about love, sex, freedom, rebellion, and empowerment.

The album was a critical and commercial success, as it debuted at number one on the Apple Music Nigeria chart and number 24 on the UK Afrobeats chart. It also received over 20 million streams across various platforms within a week of its release. The album also received rave reviews from critics and fans, who praised her confidence, creativity, and diversity. Some of the standout tracks from the album include Bloody Samaritan, which was the lead single and became an anthem for women’s liberation and self-expression. The song also featured a catchy chorus and a vibrant video that showcased her charisma and style. Another track, Fashion Killer, which featured American singer Fousheé, was a smooth and sultry song that highlighted her vocal chemistry and fashion sense. The song also received a co-sign from Rihanna, who added it to her Savage x Fenty playlist. Other notable tracks include Beggie Beggie, which featured Nigerian singer CKay, and was a playful and infectious song that explored the dynamics of love and money. The song also had a colorful and humorous video that featured cameo appearances from celebrities such as Blaqbonez, Oxlade, and Ladipoe. Another track, Snitch, which was a bonus track, was a bold and honest song that addressed the issue of cyberbullying and online trolling. The song also had a powerful message and a catchy hook that resonated with many listeners.

The album also earned her several awards and nominations, such as the MTV