A RISING AYRA STARR
Born on June 14, 2002, Ayra Starr is a rising star in the Nigerian music space. With her captivating voice and unique blend of Afropop and R&B, she has quickly gained popularity and established herself as a promising artist.
Ayra Starr's musical journey began with her passion for singing at a young age. Influenced by her musically inclined family, she started writing songs and honing her vocal skills. At the age of 10, she joined her high school choir and, with her brother, began creating music that resonated with her soul.
In 2018, Ayra Starr signed with Quove Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency, and ventured into the fashion industry. However, her true calling remained in music, and she soon started gaining attention through her Instagram account. By covering popular songs by renowned artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia, she showcased her vocal prowess and caught the ears of music enthusiasts.
It was in December 2019 that Ayra Starr made a significant breakthrough when she posted her first original song, "Damage," on her Instagram page. The track garnered significant attention, leading to a life-changing moment when record executive Don Jazzy discovered her talent, and she signed with the prestigious Mavin Records.
In January 2021, Ayra Starr released her self-titled debut extended play (EP), introducing her artistry to a broader audience. The EP featured the standout track "Away," which quickly gained popularity and spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 chart. It also reached number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, amplifying her presence on the international music scene.
With her soulful vocals and relatable lyrics, Ayra Starr's music resonated with listeners. The EP showcased her ability to merge R&B and Afropop elements seamlessly, creating a unique sonic experience. Tracks like "Ija" and "Memories" demonstrated her versatility and musical range, capturing the attention of both young and old listeners.
Building on the success of her debut EP, Ayra Starr released her first full-length mixtape, "19 & Dangerous," in August 2021. Collaborating with producers Louddaaa, Don Jazzy, and new talents like London and Andre Vibez, she continued to showcase her growth as an artist. The mixtape received favorable reviews from critics, further solidifying Ayra Starr's position as a rising star in the industry.
The lead single from the mixtape, "Bloody Samaritan," made history as it reached the number one position on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50 chart. Ayra Starr became the first female artist to achieve this feat with a solo song. Her music resonated with audiences, reflecting her artistry and ability to connect through her captivating storytelling.