Let’s talk about Ayra Starr, shall we? You know her as the “Sabi Girl” who took the world by storm with “Rush,” or maybe as that fearless young artist who’s been dominating charts from Lagos to London. But there’s so much more to this Beninese-born Nigerian sensation than her viral hits and stunning red carpet looks. From being bullied in university for her age and appearance to becoming the first woman in sixteen years to win Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards, from posting song covers on Instagram to performing at sold-out international tours—Ayra Starr’s story is pure magic. Let me take you through the extraordinary journey of Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe.
Who is Ayra Starr? The Celestial Being Behind the Music
Here’s where we start this Ayra Starr biography—with the basics that might surprise you. Her real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, and she was born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic. That makes her just 23 years old as of 2025, yet she’s already accomplished what many artists don’t achieve in an entire career. Can you believe that?
Now, while she was born in Cotonou, Ayra was raised primarily in Lagos, Nigeria, which explains her deep connection to Nigerian culture and the music scene there. Her parents are Nigerian, originally from Kwara State, though some sources also mention Delta State connections through her mother. She’s proudly Yoruba and speaks the language fluently, alongside English, Nigerian Pidgin, and French—a testament to her Beninese roots and diverse upbringing.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall with a petite frame, Ayra has become one of the most recognizable faces in Afrobeats. Her zodiac sign is Gemini, which honestly explains her versatility—she seamlessly flows between Afropop, R&B, Alte, and whatever genre feels right for the song she’s creating. Her stage name “Ayra Starr” was deliberately chosen because, in her words, it means “woke and eye-opening,” and that’s exactly what she stands for.
The Family That Nurtured a Star
Let’s talk about Ayra’s family because they’re a huge part of why she’s successful today. She comes from a musically inclined family with four siblings—two brothers named Ade and Dami, and two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutunmise. Her brother Dami Aderibigbe deserves special mention in this Ayra Starr biography because he’s not just her sibling; he’s her creative partner, guitarist, producer, and co-songwriter who has worked on many of her biggest hits.
Dami was born in 2000, making him two years older than Ayra. In 2022, he was also signed to Mavin Records, showing that musical talent runs deep in the Aderibigbe family. Her younger siblings are also making their mark—Jesutunmise has become a successful TikTok influencer with a decent following, while Ade is doing well for himself too.
Now, here’s something bittersweet about Ayra’s story. In 2018, her father passed away, which was undoubtedly a difficult period for the family. But her mother, a former singer herself, became Ayra’s biggest cheerleader. She encouraged her daughter’s musical ambitions from the very beginning and pushed her to pursue a singing career even when the path wasn’t clear. On Father’s Day 2022, Ayra shared a touching video of her mother congratulating her, showing the close bond they share.
Growing up, Ayra’s family moved frequently because of her father’s business. This constant relocation made it hard for her to form close friendships during her high school years, which was lonely but also gave her time to focus on music and developing her craft.
Education: From Bullying Victim to University Graduate
Ayra Starr attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science. Now, here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough in most Ayra Starr biography pieces—her university experience was traumatic. Her classmates frequently bullied her because of her young age and her appearance. Imagine being taunted and ridiculed during what should be some of the best years of your life.
But here’s where Ayra’s story becomes inspiring. To counter the feelings she experienced from being bullied, she turned to music as therapy. She would listen to Nicki Minaj’s music on her way to school, finding strength and confidence in those powerful female anthems. Those difficult university years taught her resilience and gave her the emotional depth that now comes through in her music.
By age ten, Ayra had already joined a high school choir and started writing songs with her brother Dami. Music wasn’t just a hobby; it was her escape, her therapy, and ultimately, her destiny. Her academic background in international relations and political science gives her a unique global perspective that influences her worldview and occasionally shows up in her lyrics and fashion choices.
The Modeling Chapter: Before the Music Fame
Before Ayra Starr became the music sensation we know today, she was actually a fashion model. In August 2018, at just sixteen years old, she signed with Quove Model Management, a prestigious modeling agency based in Lagos. She worked with several top brands including Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, Esperanza Woman, Krisari Entertainment, and Concept Magazine.
Her striking features, confident presence, and natural charisma made her a standout in Nigeria’s competitive fashion scene. But even as she walked runways and posed for magazine covers, music kept calling her. She knew modeling was just a stepping stone to something bigger.
In 2019, while still modeling, Ayra began posting cover songs on Instagram. She chose artists like Andra Day, 2Face Idibia, Davido, and Wizkid—musicians whose styles she admired and wanted to learn from. Her distinctive voice and outstanding singing style quickly caught attention, and she started accumulating fans on social media who loved her unique interpretations of popular songs.
The Don Jazzy Discovery: A Star is Signed
Here’s where this Ayra Starr biography takes its most important turn. In December 2019, Ayra posted an original song called “Damage” on her Instagram account. It was a risk—showing the world her own music rather than just covers. The song caught the attention of thousands, but more importantly, it caught the eye of one person who mattered most: Don Jazzy.
The legendary producer and CEO of Mavin Records stumbled upon Ayra’s profile and was blown away by her original work. He saw something special—raw talent combined with a unique artistic vision that couldn’t be taught. Don Jazzy reached out, and after meetings and discussions about her musical direction, Ayra Starr was officially announced as a Mavin Records signee on January 21, 2021.
This was huge. Mavin Records isn’t just any label—it’s launched the careers of Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, and more recently, Rema. Being signed to Mavin meant Ayra was joining music royalty, and the pressure was on to deliver.
The Debut: “Ayra Starr” EP Breaks Records
Just one day after being announced as a Mavin signee, on January 22, 2021, Ayra released her self-titled debut EP “Ayra Starr.” The five-track project featured songs that mixed R&B and neo-soul with Afropop percussion, creating a sound that was fresh yet familiar, international yet distinctly Nigerian.
Ayra wrote one of the songs on the EP alone and co-wrote the remaining four with her brother Dami, showcasing their creative synergy. The EP was, in her words, meant to resonate with both young and old listeners—a topsy-turvy chronicle of love and love-themed situations that anyone could relate to.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. The EP shot straight to number one on Nigeria’s iTunes and Apple Music charts. By March 2021, it had reached the same position on Apple Music in four other countries and racked up over fifteen million streams across Spotify, YouTube, and Audio Mack. For a debut project from a relatively unknown artist, these numbers were phenomenal.
The lead single “Away” spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and peaked at number seventeen on the US Billboard Top Triller Global chart. The song’s success established Ayra as more than just a one-hit wonder—she was here to stay.
“19 & Dangerous”: The Album That Changed Everything
In August 2021, just months after her EP, Ayra released her debut studio album “19 & Dangerous.” The title was perfect—she was nineteen years old and dangerously talented. The album appeared on numerous charts, but one single in particular made history: “Bloody Samaritan.”
On September 27, 2021, “Bloody Samaritan” reached number one on the TurnTable Top 50 chart, making Ayra Starr the first female artist to achieve that position with a solo single. Let that sink in—in an industry dominated by male artists, a nineteen-year-old girl had just broken a glass ceiling that had stood for years.
The song spent several weeks in the Top 50 and became an anthem for young Nigerians who related to its message about fake friends and staying true to yourself. On August 28, 2021, Ayra ranked second on Billboard’s Next Big Sound chart, confirming her rapid ascent wasn’t just a Nigerian phenomenon—the world was watching.
The success of “19 & Dangerous” led to incredible opportunities. She performed “In the Light” on Johnny Drille’s “Before We Fall Asleep.” On September 4, 2021, she was named Pepsi Nigeria’s brand ambassador. The next day, she participated in a live eviction episode of Big Brother Naija, one of Africa’s biggest reality shows. She also collaborated with Cheque on “Dangerous,” the second track from his “Bravo” album.
“Rush”: The Song That Made Ayra a Global Superstar
If “Bloody Samaritan” made Ayra a star in Nigeria, “Rush” made her an international sensation. Released in September 2022, this single became a viral phenomenon that transcended borders, languages, and demographics. The song charted in Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number twenty-four. It accumulated over one hundred million streams across platforms and became the soundtrack to countless TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and fashion campaigns.
“Rush” earned Ayra her first Grammy nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance. Think about that—just two years into her professional career, and she was already being recognized by the Recording Academy. Even former US President Barack Obama added “Rush” to his summer playlist, cementing Ayra’s status as a globally relevant artist.
The success of “Rush” changed everything. Suddenly, Ayra wasn’t just performing in Lagos—she was being invited to international stages, major festivals, and collaborations with global artists. The song proved that Afrobeats wasn’t just a regional sound; it was a global movement, and Ayra was at the forefront.
“The Year I Turned 21”: Artistic Evolution
In late 2023, Ayra began recording her second studio album, “The Year I Turned 21.” This project represented a fundamental shift in her craft, with themes of self-discovery, love, bereavement, and empowerment. Recording sessions started at Mavin Studios in Lagos and continued into 2024, with contributions from various producers and collaborators.
The album was officially released on May 31, 2024, and showcased Ayra’s artistic growth. It included collaborations with Seyi Vibez, Coco Jones, Giveon, Asake, Anitta, and Rauw Alejandro. Tracks like “Woman Commando,” featuring Coco Jones and Anitta, showcased her ability to combine Afrobeat rhythms with Western pop influences seamlessly.
Leading up to the album release, Ayra dropped several singles that built anticipation. “Rhythm & Blues,” released on September 13, 2023, explored themes of romance and nostalgia. “Commas,” released on February 2, 2024, emphasized confidence and financial independence. And then came “Santa” on April 8, 2024—a collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro that quickly became a fan favorite due to its vibrant rhythm and playful lyrics.
“Santa” made history by earning Ayra the distinction of being the first Nigerian female artist to receive a Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, grossing over thirty-five million streams. This achievement opened doors to the Latin music market and proved Ayra’s versatility across genres and cultures.
The 2025 Breakthrough: Awards, Tours, and More
Now let’s talk about 2025, because this has been Ayra’s most remarkable year yet. In February 2025, at the MOBO Awards held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 18, Ayra made history. She became the first woman in sixteen years to win Best African Music Act. She also secured Best International Act at the same ceremony—a double win that solidified her status as Afrobeats royalty.
In April 2025, Ayra released “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, a track that nods to Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s classic “911.” The collaboration with Wizkid, one of Africa’s biggest stars, showed mutual respect between generations of Afrobeats artists.
Then came June 2025—specifically June 9, when Ayra won her first BET Award for Best International Act at the ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. She edged out nominees including Ghana’s Black Sherif, fellow Nigerian star Rema, and South Africa’s Tyla and Uncle Waffles. For Ayra, winning a BET Award was a dream come true and validation of her impact on the global stage.
Her Summer 2025 Tour kicked off on June 20 with a performance at Summerjam Festival in New Jersey, followed by appearances at major festivals across North America and Europe. She also opened for Chris Brown on his 2024 Eleven Eleven tour in North America, exposing her music to massive new audiences.
In May 2025, Ayra made her Met Gala debut wearing a custom tuxedo dress designed by British-Ghanaian tailor Ozwald Boateng for the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. Her appearance at fashion’s biggest night confirmed what everyone already knew—Ayra Starr is a cultural icon, not just a musician.
Fashion Icon and Style Influencer
Speaking of fashion, this Ayra Starr biography wouldn’t be complete without discussing her impact on style. Ayra has collaborated with major brands including Pepsi, Maybelline, Darling Hair, LAvyanna skincare, and most recently, New Balance. In February 2025, she signed an endorsement deal with New Balance alongside actor and musician Jaden Smith, becoming the face of the sportswear brand’s latest campaign.
At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Ayra stunned audiences in a custom crystal bralette and miniskirt designed by Janice Munenge. Her youthful and sultry style was a highlight of the red carpet, reflecting her ongoing experimentation while staying true to her roots. As she told BellaNaija, her aesthetic “is about storytelling, just like music. I’m constantly exploring new ways to express myself.”
Ayra has been featured in Vogue, Dazed, OkayAfrica, and numerous fashion publications. She’s known for mixing streetwear with traditional African prints, creating a signature style that’s both edgy and elegant. Her fashion choices have inspired countless young women across Africa and the diaspora to embrace bold, confident dressing.
Controversies and Challenges: Navigating Fame
No Ayra Starr biography would be honest without addressing the controversies she’s faced. In January 2024, Ayra was filmed shaking hands with juju music legend King Sunny Ade while standing instead of bowing or prostrating—considered disrespectful in Yoruba culture. The video went viral, and she faced severe backlash on social media.
Ayra quickly apologized publicly, explaining that nerves and poor lighting had contributed to the situation. She affirmed her cultural grounding, saying she’s a proud Yoruba girl who understands and respects her culture. The incident taught her important lessons about cultural sensitivity in the public eye.
In May 2024, Ayra sparked significant discussion when she openly embraced LGBTQ plus fans during a concert in Brazil. She was seen waving the rainbow flag and expressing solidarity with her LGBTQ audience. This gesture received mixed reactions—some lauded her inclusivity and support for LGBTQ rights, while others criticized her actions, reflecting the controversial nature of such issues within Nigerian society.
She’s also faced criticism for some of her fashion choices. An incident at an Abuja event where she wore a revealing silver dress prompted backlash, with fans accusing her of wearing outfits she appeared visibly uncomfortable in. In mid-2025, Ayra publicly lamented relentless online bullying, calling out social media trolls targeting her appearance, style, and overall persona.
There were also unfair controversies around awards. When Ayra won Best International Act at the BET Awards, the award was reportedly handed to her backstage even though she attended the ceremony. Fans compared it to past controversies involving African artists like Wizkid, who protested backstage awards, and criticized it as disrespectful and unfair treatment of African talent.
Additionally, constant comparisons to South African artist Tyla have annoyed both artists’ fanbases. In an October 2024 interview with BBC Radio 1 Xtra, Ayra addressed the comparisons directly, saying Tyla is her friend and the comparisons don’t bother her at all. The two artists have been photographed socializing together on multiple occasions, including a viral December night out in Lagos with Tems at Obi’s House nightclub.
The Relationship Question: Ayra’s Love Life
Okay, let’s address what everyone wants to know about this Ayra Starr biography—her relationship status. As of 2025, Ayra Starr is single and has never been engaged or married. She’s been romantically linked to fellow Mavin Records artist Rema, especially after they shared a kiss on stage during a performance at the Global Citizen Festival in New York.
However, Ayra has consistently maintained that she and Rema are “just friends” and that he’s her “brother in Christ.” When questioned about their relationship during radio interviews, she’s dismissed the rumors, though the chemistry between them keeps fans speculating.
Ayra has been very clear about focusing on her career at this stage of her life. She seems more concerned with building her legacy than being in a relationship right now. She’s openly stated that she identifies as heterosexual and is happy with her current single status, unbothered by relationship pressures.
Net Worth: The Financial Success Story
Let’s talk money because that’s what everyone’s curious about. Ayra Starr’s net worth is estimated to be between three million and five million US dollars as of 2025, with some conservative estimates placing it around one point five million to two point eight million. The variation depends on how you calculate her assets, investments, and future earnings potential.
Her income streams are diverse and substantial. She earns from music sales and streaming royalties across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Boomplay, Tidal, and others. With over eleven million monthly listeners on Spotify and songs like “Rush” accumulating over one hundred sixty-three million streams, she’s making significant money from streaming alone.
Live performances and international tours are another major income source. According to reports, Ayra now charges up to five hundred thousand dollars per show in 2025—an astronomical fee that reflects her global demand. Concert ticket sales, tour sponsorships, and merchandise add to this revenue stream.
Brand endorsements with companies like Pepsi, Maybelline, Darling Hair, LAvyanna, and New Balance bring in substantial income. Social media influencing on Instagram, where she has over six point two million followers, and Twitter, where she has over one point eight million followers, generates additional revenue through sponsored posts.
Her YouTube channel has over two point seven million subscribers with more than one billion total views. The Rush music video alone has over one hundred sixty-six million views. YouTube ad revenue from these views contributes significantly to her net worth.
Musical Influences and Artistic Vision
Ayra has been refreshingly honest about the artists who shaped her sound. Growing up, she listened to both local and international musicians. She’s cited Asa as a major influence, particularly admiring her poetic songwriting talent. In interviews, Ayra has said she listens to Asa to improve her own songwriting skills.
She’s also credited Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Shakira, and Beyoncé as inspirations, saying it was the strength she felt listening to their songs that drew her in. Other artists who influenced her include Two Face Idibia, Angelique Kidjo, Wande Coal, Tope Alabi, the Lijadu Sisters, Justin Bieber, Tiwa Savage, Sia, and of course, Nicki Minaj—whose music got her through those difficult university bullying days.
What makes Ayra’s music special is how she blends these diverse influences into something uniquely hers. Her sound is distinctly Afrobeats but with R&B smoothness, pop accessibility, and occasionally, experimental Alte vibes that push boundaries.
Friendships in the Industry: Supporting Female Artists
One of the most beautiful aspects of this Ayra Starr biography is her commitment to uplifting other female artists. In an industry that often pits women against each other, Ayra has chosen collaboration and friendship. She’s close friends with Tyla and Tiwa Savage, and she’s even met global superstar Rihanna—a moment she describes as surreal.
She’s played a key role in reshaping the narrative around female friendships in the African music industry, proving that women can thrive together rather than compete. Her collaborations with Coco Jones and Anitta on “Woman Commando” exemplify this philosophy of women supporting women.
The Social Media Queen
Ayra Starr’s social media presence is massive and carefully managed. On Instagram as @ayrastarr, she has over six point two million followers. Her feed features professional photoshoots, behind-the-scenes content, fashion moments, and snippets of her personal life. On Twitter as @ayrastarr, she has over one point eight million followers where she’s more conversational and engages directly with fans.
Her TikTok presence has been crucial to her success. Songs like “Rush” went viral on TikTok, with users creating countless dance challenges and lip-sync videos that amplified the song’s reach exponentially. Ayra understands the power of social media in today’s music industry and uses it strategically to maintain relevance and connection with her fanbase, affectionately called “Starrlights.”
Life Lessons from Ayra Starr’s Journey
Reading this Ayra Starr biography, what can we learn from her incredible journey? First, turn your pain into power. Ayra was bullied in university, but instead of letting it break her, she used music as therapy and channeling those emotions into her art.
Second, timing is everything. Ayra didn’t rush into music. She finished her education, tried modeling, and only pursued music professionally when she was ready and had something unique to offer.
Third, family support matters. Her mother’s encouragement and her brother Dami’s creative partnership have been crucial to her success. Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams.
Fourth, authenticity wins. Ayra hasn’t tried to be anyone but herself. Her music, style, and personality are genuine, and fans respond to that authenticity.
Fifth, embrace your youth but demand respect. At twenty-three, Ayra hasn’t let her age limit her ambitions. She’s demanded respect in rooms full of older, more established artists, and she’s gotten it through her talent and professionalism.
Finally, global success requires versatility. Ayra sings in multiple languages, collaborates across genres, and adapts to different markets without losing her African identity.
Where is Ayra Starr Now?
As of November 2025, Ayra Starr is living between Lagos and London, continuing to dominate the Afrobeats scene while expanding into international markets. She’s working on new music, with rumors of another album in development featuring collaborations with major US stars.
She’s been confirmed as one of the performers at several major 2026 festivals, and her booking fee continues to rise as demand for her performances increases globally. At twenty-three years old, she’s already achieved Grammy nominations, BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and countless other accolades. She’s the fifth most-streamed Afrobeats artist globally on Spotify in 2025—a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
Final Thoughts: The Ayra Starr Legacy
So what’s the final word on this Ayra Starr biography? She’s a once-in-a-generation talent who’s redefining what it means to be an African female artist in the twenty-first century. From Cotonou to global stages, from university bullying victim to Grammy nominee, from Instagram covers to platinum records—Ayra Starr’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
For young African girls looking at her success, the message is powerful: Your background doesn’t limit your future. Being young doesn’t mean you can’t demand respect. Being feminine doesn’t mean you can’t be fierce. And most importantly, your dreams are valid no matter how impossible they might seem.
That’s Ayra Starr—the Celestial Being, the Sabi Girl, the first woman in sixteen years to win Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards, and proof that when talent meets opportunity, preparation, and relentless work ethic, magic happens. At just twenty-three, her story is far from over. In fact, based on everything she’s accomplished so far, her best chapters are yet to be written.
