Arya Starr

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, to Nigerian Yoruba parents from Kwara State, gr...

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, to Nigerian Yoruba parents from Kwara State, grew up shuttling between Benin and Lagos, Nigeria, in a musical family where her older brother Dami is a guitarist and songwriter who has collaborated extensively with her, and her mother was once a singer

She joined her church choir at age 10, began writing songs, and formed a band for local events, while her family emphasized education amid these early pursuits. Despite facing bullying at Les Cours Sonou University in Cotonou over her youthful appearance, where she earned a BA in international relations and political science, she found solace in music, drawing inspiration from artists like Nicki Minaj. Her early performances included appearing on the Nigerian talent show Maltina Dance All and modeling for brands after signing with Quove Models in 2018. In 2019, she posted song covers on Instagram, including an original track "Damage" that caught the attention of Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy, leading to her signing with the label in 2020 and adopting the stage name Ayra Starr, evoking a sense of awakening in Yoruba-inspired terms.Her debut self-titled EP, released on January 22, 2021, blended Afropop with R&B and neo-soul, topping charts across Africa and featuring the hit "Away," followed by her first studio album 19 & Dangerous in August 2021, which included the breakout "Bloody Samaritan," marking her as the first solo female Nigerian artist to top the Turntable International fame surged with "Rush" in 2022, charting globally and earning a Grammy nomination, while she collaborated on tracks like Wizkid's "2 Sugar" and featured in soundtracks. Her second album, The Year I Turned 21, released in May 2024, delved into themes of self-discovery and empowerment, debuting on the Billboard 200 with features from artists like Asake, Anitta, and Rauw Alejandro, and singles such as "Commas" and "Santa" achieving massive streams and certifications.!
In 2025, she released tracks like "All The Love," "Gimme Dat" with Wizkid (earning another Grammy nomination), "Hot Body," and "Who's Dat Girl" with Rema, while performing at major festivals, supporting tours like Coldplay's, and headlining events including Tidal Rave as the first major non-Ghanaian act in its history.Ayra Starr's music fuses Afropop and R&B with influences from jazz, EDM, amapiano, highlife, and more, her soulful vocals and lyrics in English, Pidgin, and Yoruba exploring love, empowerment, and growth, shaped by artists like Angélique Kidjo, Shakira, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Tiwa Savage, and Nigerian legends such as 2Face Idibia and Wande Coal.!


Her achievements include multiple Headies wins, MOBO Awards for Best African Music Act and Best International Act in 2025 (the first woman in 16 years for the former), a BET Award for Best International Act in 2025, Grammy nominations, Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, and milestones like being the first Nigerian female with a Latin Diamond certification for "Santa," surpassing billions in streams, headlining a world tour, and performing on Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. She has become a fashion icon, debuting at Paris Fashion Week, the Met Gala in 2025, and London Fashion Week, with endorsements from brands like Pepsi, Maybelline, and New Balance, while advocating for young Black women and inclusivity.In her personal life, Ayra Starr remains single with high standards, denying dating rumors including with Rema, and in late 2025 relocated to New York City to expand her cultural influences and sound, shortly after which the Grammy Museum scheduled an evening event with her on December 16, 2025.

She has also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Christmas in Lagos and the upcoming Children of Blood and Bone. As of December 2025, Ayra Starr continues to dominate Afrobeats globally, blending African roots with international appeal.