Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic. She was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and studied International Relations and Political Science at Les Cours Sonou University.
Ayra Starr began as a fashion model before gaining attention with her Instagram covers and original songs. She was discovered by Don Jazzy and signed to Mavin Records in 2020. Her self-titled debut EP, Ayra Starr, released in 2021, included the breakout hit Away.
She quickly followed up with her debut album 19 & Dangerous, featuring standout tracks like Bloody Samaritan, Fashion Killer, and Beggie Beggie featuring CKay. Her blend of Afropop, R&B, and alté influences, along with her confident lyrics and youth appeal, made her one of the fastest-rising stars in African music.
In 2023, her single Rush became a global sensation, charting in multiple countries and earning a spot on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
Ayra Starr is praised for her vocal range, distinct style, and modern take on female empowerment in Afrobeats.
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
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2021 – African Entertainment Awards USA:
Best New Artist – Nominated
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2021 – African Muzik Magazine Awards:
Best Newcomer – Nominated
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2021 – MOBO Awards:
Best African Music Act – Nominated
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2021 – Net Honours:
Most Played R&B Song (“Away”) – Nominated
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2022 – Net Honours:
Breakout Artist of the Year (Female) – Winner
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2022 – The Headies:
Next Rated – Nominated
Best R&B Single (“Beggie Beggie” ft. CKay) – Nominated
Best Collaboration – Nominated
Best Vocal Performance (Female) (“Toxic”) – Nominated
Best Afrobeats Single (“Bloody Samaritan”) – Nominated
Viewer’s Choice – Nominated
Best Afrobeats Album (“19 & Dangerous”) – Nominated
Album of the Year – Nominated
🎖️
2022 – BET Awards:
Best New International Act – Nominated
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2025 – MOBO Awards:
Best African Music Act – Winner
Best International Act – Winner
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2025 – BET Awards:
Best International Act – Winner
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2025 – Trace Awards:
Best West African Artist – Winner
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About the Artist
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic. She was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and studied International Relations and Political Science at Les Cours Sonou University.
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic. She was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and studied International Relations and Political Science at Les Cours Sonou University.
