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Get To Know: Ayra Starr

Spend some time with us getting to know Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr…

After uploading a video of her singing to Instagram in 2019, Ayra Starr was discovered by Nigerian super-producer Don Jazzy (Kanye West, D’Banj, Rema) who signed her to his record label, Mavin Records and helped produceStarr’s debut album '19 & Dangerous'.

Merging the sounds of Afrobeat and R&B, the album showcasesStarr’s songwriting skills and demonstrates her aim to be an outspoken voice for the younger generation.

Fresh from featuring on UK R&B star Mahalia’s ‘Roadside’ remix track, we’re excited to see whatAyraStarr does next!

Get To Know - Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr

Get To Know - Ayra Starr

1. For those who don’t know about you and your music, tell us a little bit about who you are and where you’re from…

My name is Ayra Starr the only Starr with a double ‘R’ haha. My birth name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe. I am a singer, songwriter, dancer and all round celestial being from Nigeria.

2. Who/what inspired you to start a career in music?

I’ll say my family, I come from a music-centric family so it wasn’t hard to decide music was what I eventually wanted to do. When I was much younger we would have music games in my family where we would be given words and we had to write on them and perform to the family with a whole choreography routine.

3. Who are your biggest musical influences?

My family first, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eartha Kitt, and the list goes on.

4. Tell us about the writing and recording process of your new release

Fun fact, ‘Bloody Samaritan’ is the song that was the hardest to make on my debut album '19 & Dangerous', I had the beat for about sixmonths and kept on begging the producer not to give it to someone else because I was so sure I could make magic with it. I just wasn’t there yet with what I was doing at the moment, when the right time came, I made ‘Bloody Samaritan’ the global hit with my brother by my side.

5. What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Formerly, it was my showcase in June but right now it would be seeing the effect of my song ‘Bloody Samaritan’, seeing the way people have been owning the song and interpreting it in their own words and ways is quite beautiful to see.

6. Who would you be your dream collaboration and why?

Rihanna! Amongst others because I have quite a list.

7. Have you met anyone and been totally starstruck?

SAINt JHN! I met him on FaceTime and couldn’t say anything for few seconds it was funny.

8. If you could only listen to one song on repeat for the rest of time what would it be and why?

Any song from my album '19 & Dangerous'.

9. What’s on your playlists that people wouldn’t expect?

Old songs, songs older than my grandparents.

10. What can we expect from your live shows?

Good energy, positive vibes and a good time.

11. Have you got any fun livestreams/online events planned for this year? / When can we see you live?

I’m live everywhere! For a headline show, you just have to keep watching this space.

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