Ayra Starr – Away
| Stage Name: | Ayra Starr |
| Real Name: | Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 14th June, 2002 (22 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Kwara State |
| Gender: | Female |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | Les Course Sonou |
| Known for: | Away |
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known by her stage name Ayra Starr, was born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin. She is a Beninese-born Nigerian singer who has quickly risen to fame with her unique blend of Afropop and R&B. Ayra’s journey into the music industry is marked by her resilience, talent, and the early recognition she received from industry veterans.
Early Life, Education and Musical Roots
Ayra spent her formative years in Cotonou, Benin, and Lagos, Nigeria. Raised in a family that deeply appreciated music, Ayra’s interest in singing was nurtured by her mother, a former singer, and her brother Dami, a guitarist and songwriter. Her multicultural upbringing between Benin and Nigeria exposed her to diverse musical influences, ranging from Angélique Kidjo to Nicki Minaj. She attended Les Course Sonou and earned a BA degree in international relations and “political science”.
At the age of 10, Ayra joined a high school choir, and with her brother, she began writing songs. Despite facing challenges in forming friendships due to frequent relocations prompted by her father’s business, Ayra found solace in music. Nicki Minaj’s music served as an inspiration during her school days, providing her with the strength to overcome bullying.
Fashion to Music: Ayra’s Career Beginnings
In 2018, at the age of 16, Ayra started her career in the fashion industry, working with Quove Model Management. However, her heart was drawn to music, and she transitioned from the runway to the recording studio. Ayra gained attention by posting covers of popular songs on Instagram, showcasing her vocal prowess. Her decision to share an original song, “Damage,” in December 2019, caught the ear of Don Jazzy, a renowned record executive, who promptly signed her to Mavin Records.
Ayra Starr’s Musical Journey
Ayra’s breakthrough came in early 2021 with the release of her debut EP, “Ayra Starr,” featuring the hit track “Away.” The song not only climbed to number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart but also reached number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. This success set the stage for her first full-length album, “19 & Dangerous,” released on August 6, 2021.
The album received acclaim for its Afropop and R&B fusion, earning Ayra Starr recognition as a versatile artist. The lead single, “Bloody Samaritan,” made history by becoming the first solo song by a female artist to top the TurnTable Top 50 chart.
International Recognition and Grammy Nomination
In 2022, Ayra Starr gained international acclaim with the release of her single “Rush.” The song charted in multiple countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. Notably, “Rush” earned Ayra Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.
With “Rush,” Ayra became the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video within just five months, solidifying her status as one of the best Nigerian singers.
Artistic Style and Influences
Ayra Starr’s musical style, often described as Afropop and R&B, reflects her diverse influences and upbringing. Her voice has been characterized as “silky,” “cozy,” and “soulful,” showcasing a dynamic range and emotional delivery. Ayra’s lyrics, a mix of English, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Yoruba, touch on contemporary themes such as love, relationships, empowerment, and freedom.
Despite comparisons to other artists, Ayra embraces her individuality, citing her influences as varied as 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Nicki Minaj, and Shakira. Her debut EP and album demonstrate her ability to work across genres, incorporating elements of neo-soul, jazz, and EDM.
Achievements and Future Endeavors
Ayra Starr’s impact on the music industry has been monumental, earning her various nominations and awards. Her collaboration with Wizkid on “2 Sugar” reached number 1 on Billboard’s Hot Trending and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
In March 2023, Ayra proudly announced that her music was featured in the blockbuster American action movie, Creed III, marking another milestone in her burgeoning career.
Husband and Kids
She is unmarried and details of her dating life are kept secret.
Net Worth
Beyond her musical achievements, Ayra Starr has amassed financial success. With a net worth of over 850,000 dollars, she stands as a testament to the lucrative opportunities in the music industry. You can find her on Instagram.