The talented record producer Don Jazzy discovered the intriguing talent Ayra Starr in late 2019 when she was only 17 years old. This teenager has blossomed into a dynamic talent who has dominated the Nigerian music industry and beyond. She is the cover of Teen Vogue July 2023 Issue, titled African New Wave, along with BNXN and Victony.
Ayra Starr (Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe) was raised in a multicultural environment with many different languages, cultures, and morals. She grew up in Abuja, the conservative capital of Nigeria, and some years of her childhood was spent in Cotonou, where she was born, and in bustling Lagos, where she spent her adolescence.
Photo: Stephen Tayo From her humble beginnings to her rise to stardom, the artiste’s journey is as inspiring as it is fascinating. Her music, which beautifully blends Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary pop, has not only made her a household name in Nigeria but also caught the attention of international audiences. Despite her swift rise to fame, the model-turned-award-winning singer remains grounded and committed to her craft. Her dedication to her artistry, coupled with her refreshing authenticity, has endeared the singer to fans worldwide and made her a role model for aspiring musicians.
Ahead, let’s get to know about this Nigerian beauty a little more, as we unveil what you’d probably didn’t know about Ayra Starr — from her life behind the scenes, her inspirations and dreams, and the journey that has shaped her into the artist she is today. As a bonus, she’s also a fashion girl — one that gravitates towards wearable glamour.
9 Things You Need To Know About Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr Was Born In Cotonou, Benin
Although originally from the Edo State of Nigeria, Ayra Starr was born in the relaxed city of Cotonou, Benin. This dynamic West African city, with its deep-rooted culture and history, was instrumental in molding Ayra into the artist we know today. Her upbringing was split between the vibrant cities of Cotonou, Abuja, and Lagos State. And at the age of 13, her family decided to move to Lagos, the city where Ayra Starr finally met her stardom.
“My mom was like, ‘When we move [to Lagos], this will be the time for you to do music…,” Starr said in an interview with Teen Vogue while gracing the front page of the magazine’s July 2023 issue. “‘You will be able to blow in. Lagos is a place for you to pursue your music career.’”
She has a younger brother named Dami Aderibigbe who is also a musician
Ayra Starr’s younger brother, Dami Aderibigbe, is also a part of the Nigerian music industry, known by his stage name MILAR. He’s recognized for his contribution in co-writing “Away” from Ayra’s debut EP: Ayra Starr, as well as Johnny Drille’s “Mystery Girl.”
She is a multilingual talent
Ayra Starr’s upbringing in Cotonou exposed her to a variety of languages. This not only made her multilingual but also shaped her music, giving it a distinctive, worldwide allure. She speaks several languages, including French (her second language), Yoruba, and English, among others. According to the Afrobeat star, her multilingual prowess is evident in her music. “That’s why my music is very versatile,” she acclaimed.
Ayra Star was discovered on Instagram
While Instagram might be your go-to social media platform where you post hawt summer bikini snapshots, OOTDs, or perfectly contoured makeup looks, IG is the same platform where Ayra Starr scored her first major gig.
The Gen-Z singer was discovered after posting covers of her favorite songs by artists like Omah Lay, 2Baba, and Andra Day. Eventually, she bravely shared her original song “Damage,” co-written with her brother, Dami Aderibigbe. The song went viral, catching the eye of Don Jazzy. Shortly after, Jazzy contacted her, and she met him at the Mavin Records studio three days later. The rest, as they say, is history.
“I first saw a video of her singing one of her original songs on Instagram. Her voice was so powerful, yet she looked so young,” says Don Jazzy, the record producer and founder of Mavin Records. “Immediately, I knew I would like to work with her. I sent her a direct message inviting her to our studio with a guardian.”
Ayra Starr is the third female artist to join Mavin Records
Mavin Records has a good eye for signing award-winning female artists and the third to join the Nigerian record label is none other than Ayra Starr. She’s tapping into the blessings of Tiwa Savage and Di’ja who were once the sensation of Mavin Records — which is why it’s had to forget the days of “Dorobucci” featuring the two Mavin Records female artists and the rest of the crew members including Don Jazzy, Dr SID, D’Prince, Reekado Banks, and Korede Bello.
However, Tiwa Savage joined the label in 2012 and amicably parted ways in 2019 to sign a deal with Universal Music Group. In 2014, Don Jazzy signed another talented female artist, Di’ja (real name Hadiza Blell-Olo). Her debut single “Rock Steady” was nominated for Best Urban/R&B Single at the Canadian Radio Music Awards in 2009. Ayra, on the other hand, joined the label in 2019, with her debut song being “Away.”
She is a Self-Taught Musician
Ayra Starr is a testament to self-learning and determination. Despite having no formal vocal training, she’s honed her skills through careful listening and learning. Although she had some sort of support from her mother, at the age of 17, however, she decided to take music seriously, using the internet as her teacher. Growing up with siblings who were also interested in art also helped the Stability singer. Her story truly shows that talent, paired with determination, can break all boundaries.
Her late father is her greatest inspiration
Ayra absorbs inspiration from a broad spectrum of artists, both from her homeland and around the world but her father remains her greatest inspiration. She made the revelation on social media while writing a tribute to the father.
“My dad was a trailblazer, living life on his own terms, setting his own rules without apology—he was the true original,” Starr shared. “This past week has taught me that there’s no set path in life; live it as you wish because, ultimately, we journey alone. Sunday presented a choice: to stay home and lament the injustice of his passing or to transform the situation into inspiration, as my father always did. I chose the latter.”
The Name “Ayra Starr” Was Chosen Collaboratively
Oyinkansola Aderibigbe may be her birth name, but Ayra Starr is also more than just a stage name—it’s a reflection of her persona. Ayra, a name chosen by her, Don Jazzy, and label-mate Rema, is Arabic for “highly respected, honorable, and awe-inspiring”. Starr is a testament to her desire to define herself, her journey, and the impact she’s making.
She is a fashion girl
Ayra Starr is no doubt a fashion girl. You could see her now in a corset top or crop top with low-waist pants and beads adorned braids, and the next few minutes, she’s completely a different person. She’s one “It Girl” out there who looks good in any type of hairstyle and she wears crop tops even more than Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid.
Ayra Starr’s fashion sense is as unique as her music. She plays around with relaxed pieces that showcase just the right amount of skin. She’s a Gen-Z, of course, and her style is typical Gen-Z fashion that blends maximum glamour and style. In fact, Starr’s take on fashion deserves a page in our stylebook (stay tuned) and could only be described as vibrant, bold, and unapologetically authentic. She once posted a picture on social media with the caption that read:
“Is this dress nice? Yes. Can I breathe in it? No. Would I wear it again? Definitely!!!” It’s clear, however, that Ayra Starr loves fashion even if with a little discomfort.
