Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe is better known as Ayra Starr in the musical industry. With her songs, the 21-year-old is representing Nigeria as one of the next generation of African stars.
The singer has dominated international music charts since the publication of her debut EP in 2021, putting her on the radar of many music enthusiasts.
She discussed her recent conversation regarding her handling of male admirers, her rising profile in the music industry, and her first-ever nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammy Awards.
The “Rush” performer admitted that it doesn’t bother her when people look at her.
She said: “I’m an artiste to the core, and I want my style, my hair, my music, to represent how I feel. I don’t really care about aesthetics, it’s more about how I feel. I’m not really bothered about the male, or female gaze, or anybody’s gaze for that matter, except my own. I’ve always had a mind of my own. Growing up in different places, in different cultures, has shaped my mind. And in spite of all these influences, I’m still myself. I wrote “Asé” when I was 15 — I had no business writing that song. So that gives you a glimpse of the kind of mindset I had at a young age.”
She spoke about her passion for modelling and how her mum redirected her passion to music from modelling. She said, “I wanted to do modelling because everyone told me I couldn’t do it, like I’m not tall enough, and I told them, “watch me.” And I ended up doing it.
When I look back, I’m so proud of little Ayra, too.
She continued: I’m really proud of little Ayra now that I’ve looked back.
It’s because of her that I’m here now. It’s because of that 16-year-old girl that didn’t give up and kept going. I used to do cover [songs] on Instagram. My mum and her friends used to force me to do covers. I uploaded one cover on Instagram — I didn’t even like the video. But something just kept telling me to post it and I did. Not up to 6 hours later, [Marvin Records CEO] Don Jazzy reached out. Three days later, he signed me.”
