Ayra Starr whose real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe is a popular Nigerian fast rising singer, songwriter and model, hailing from Kwara State, Nigeria, but grew up in three different cities; Cotonou, Lagos and Abuja. Ayra Starr is of Yoruba descent and was born on June 14, 2002 making her 21 years old as of 2023. 

Ayra Starr

Background And Early Life

Born on 14 June 2002 in Cotonou, Bénin, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. Her Nigerian parents, originally from Kwara State, blessed her with four siblings: brothers Ade and Dami, along with two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutunmise. Frequent relocations during high school, due to her father's business, made it challenging for her to form lasting friendships. Raised in a music-loving family, her passion for singing stems from these early influences. At age 10, she joined a high school choir and began writing songs with her brother.

Education

Ayra Starr pursued her education at Les Cours Sonou University, earning a BA degree in international relations and political science. However, her age and appearance subjected her to bullying from classmates. To cope with these challenges, Ayra turned to music, finding solace in the tunes of Nicki Minaj during her daily commute to school. Encouraged by her supportive mother, Ayra embraced her musical ambitions.

Musical Career And Record Label 

How it all started

In August 2018, Ayra Starr signed with Quove Models, a Lagos-based modeling agency. Her modeling ventures included collaborations with Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, and Esperanza Woman. By 2019, she showcased her vocal talent by posting covers of songs by artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia online. Choosing her stage name for its meaning – "woke" and "eye-opening" – Ayra garnered attention with an original song, "Damage," posted on Instagram in December 2019. This caught the ear of label executive Don Jazzy, leading to her first recording contract with Mavin Records.

In 2020, Ayra Starr recorded her self-titled debut EP at Mavin Studios, released on 22 January 2021. The EP, described as a blend of R&B/neo-soul and Afropop percussion, quickly rose to the number-one position on Nigeria iTunes and Apple Music. The hit track "Away" reached high chart positions, making Ayra Starr a prominent figure in the music scene.

In early 2021, Ayra gained mainstream recognition with her debut EP and the success of "Away." This paved the way for her first full-length studio album, "19 & Dangerous," released in August 2021. Categorized as Afropop and R&B, the album received positive critical acclaim, featuring two top forty hits in Nigeria, with "Bloody Samaritan" claiming the number-one position.

Ayra Starr released remix versions of "Ija" and "Away" between March and April, showcasing her versatility. She continued to make waves with performances, music videos, and collaborations, solidifying her status as a rising star.

Awards And Nominations

Ayra Starr's impact extended to the Pandora Predictions chart, ranking number two on Billboard's Next Big Sound in August 2021. Notable achievements include being named a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria and receiving a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 8th African Muzik Magazine Awards.

Songs

Some of Ayra Starr's notable songs include;

Rush

Stability

Ngozi

No Love

Rhythm and Blues

Over Loading

Big Fu

Bloody Samaritan

Love Don't Cost A Dime

Beggie Beggie

Girls Next Door

Stamina

Away

Disturbing You

Fashion Killer

How Many Times

Ija

Take It To The Top

Sare

Skinny Girl Anthem

Options

Running

Amina

Cast

Lonely Refix

Ase

Jane

Personal Life

Despite facing the loss of her father in 2018, Ayra remains resilient, expressing her emotions through song. Currently residing in Mainland Lagos with her mother and brother, she navigates the complexities of life and music with strength and creativity.

Ayra Starr, Husband And Children

As of now, Ayra Starr is focused on her music career and has not disclosed any information about a boyfriend or husband. Her hit song "Away" reflects her journey of liberation and strength after a past relationship. Ayra has shared that some of the song's verses were freestyled, adding a personal touch to her musical expression.

Net Worth

Ayra Starr has gained recognition for her talent in the music industry at a young age.

With her promising talent, Ayra Starr's estimated net worth stands at $500,000, reflecting her rapid rise in the music industry.

Social Media Handles And Phone Number 

Ayra Starr is active on social media. For those of you that want to reach out to her, you can do so using her Instagram handle @ayrastarr

Facebook: @ayrastarr

Twitter: @Celestial being

Phone Number: Undisclosed.