Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.
Initially venturing into a fashion career at 16 with Quove Model Management, she later shifted her focus to music. Ayra gained recognition after posting covers of popular songs by various artists on Instagram. In December 2019, she uploaded her first original song on her page, catching the attention of record executive Don Jazzy, who subsequently signed her to his label, Mavin Records.
Early life and Education
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, and raised in both Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria, is of Nigerian descent and belongs to the Yoruba ethnic group. Due to her father’s business, her family relocated frequently during her high school years, which made it challenging for her to establish close friendships.
Growing up in a music-loving household, Ayra’s passion for singing was nurtured by her family. She began singing in a high school choir at the age of 10 and started writing songs with her brother. Despite facing bullying from classmates during her college years at Les Cours Sonou University, where she obtained a BA degree in international relations and political science, Ayra found solace in music. Her mother played a pivotal role in supporting her musical aspirations, consistently encouraging her to pursue a career in singing.
To cope with the challenges she encountered, Ayra turned to music, finding inspiration in artists like Nicki Minaj. Her mother’s unwavering support further fueled her determination to pursue her musical dreams.
Career
Ayra Starr embarked on her career journey in August 2018 when she signed with Quove Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency. While working as a model, she also gained attention for her covers of songs by artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia, which she shared online. It was her original song “Damage,” uploaded to her Instagram page in December 2019, that caught the ear of Don Jazzy, leading to her signing with Mavin Records.
In 2020, Ayra began recording at Mavin Studios in Lagos, collaborating with producers such as Louddaaa and Don Jazzy. Her self-titled debut EP was released on January 22, 2021, receiving acclaim for its fusion of R&B/neo-soul with Afropop percussion. The EP quickly climbed the charts, with the hit track “Away” garnering significant attention.
Following the success of her EP, Ayra released remix versions of “Ija” and “Away,” collaborated with Crayon on the track “In Sync,” and performed at various events, including the UC Berkeley Nigerian Students Association virtual culture show.
On April 2021, the official music video for her song “DITR” was released, followed by the release of the music video for “Sare” in June 2021. Ayra also performed for the season finale of Nigerian Idol in July 2021.
Her debut studio album, titled “19 & Dangerous,” was released on August 6, 2021, featuring collaborations with artists like Fousheé and CKay. The album received positive reviews, with its single “Bloody Samaritan” reaching number one on the TurnTable Top 50 chart.
In September 2021, Ayra was named brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria and performed during a live eviction episode of Big Brother Naija. She continued to make waves in the music industry, collaborating with artists like Cheque and Johnny Drille.
In November 2022, Ayra featured on Wizkid’s track “2 Sugar” from his album “More Love, Less Ego,” which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Trending chart. In March 2023, her music was featured as the soundtrack for the American action movie “Creed III.” Later in October 2023, she collaborated with David Guetta and Lil Durk on the house-influenced Afrobeat track “Big FU.”
Musical Style and Inspiration
Ayra Starr’s musical style is diverse, with predominant genres being Afropop and R&B. Her voice has been described as “silky,” “cozy,” “delicate,” and “soulful,” showcasing a dynamic range and emotional delivery. She often incorporates English, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Yoruba in her lyrics, touching on themes such as love, relationships, empowerment, and freedom.
While some critics noted similarities between her vocal technique and that of Tems, Ayra embraces the comparisons, viewing them as compliments. However, reviewers emphasize that Ayra Starr brings her own unique flavor to her music, with a distinct Nigerian and Afropop style.
Her influences range from Nigerian artists like 2Face Idibia and Wande Coal to international icons such as Shakira, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. She also admires the lyrical prowess of Aṣa and credits her for inspiring her own songwriting skills. Ayra’s upbringing in a musically inclined family and exposure to diverse cultures have shaped her eclectic musical perspective and artistic sensibilities.
Net Worth
Ayra is estimated to have over 500,000 dollars and at the age of 21, that is an impressive feat, showing how much talent and star power he has and will g arner as years go by.