NATIVE Exclusive: It’s Ayra Starr’s Moment Now
Her first NATIVE Exclusive Interview
Much to the delight of the internet, there are moments that we share collectively that cannot be replicated or copied, no matter how much we wish them into existence. In a saturated market where streaming has made music uber-accessible at the click of a finger, these moments often arrive when we least expect it. Whether it’s a female rapper breaking glass ceilings and inverting gender stereotypes or a fresh-faced artist seamlessly breaking into the current sonic landscape, music and moments that demand to be felt globally are once-in-a-generation occurrences.
Yet Africa’s biggest musical conglomerate, Mavins has consistently found ways to hit the nail on the head and orchestrate these world-stopping moments all from their base in West Africa. Once upon a time, that position was reserved for Tiwa Savage and Wande Coal back in the early 2010s and then artists such as Korede Bello, Di’Ja, Dr Sid, and even rapper Ladipoe. Now, with a new generation of listeners in need of steady guidance from a formidable raconteur, Mavin has filled the gap once again with the likes of Rema, Crayon and more recently, its very own celestial being: Ayra Starr.
View this post on Instagram
(@ayrastarr)The 19-year-old singer arrived at the start of the year with a line of bangers and quotable lyrics straight out the door. Much like preceding labelmate Rema, Ayra Starr’s debut on the scene was felt greatly around the continent. Backed by Mavin and armed with a delectable self-titled debut EP, the singer came in hot and ready with an assured persona and a tightly-honed sound. ‘Ayra Starr’ included five glittering songs that touched on matters of love, life, family, becoming in a deeply comforting manner, with “Away” as its lead single. To many, it was immediately clear that Mavin had another star on their hands.
While Mavin found the right singer for the task, there was a slight chance that we would have missed out on this moment if the singer hadn’t found the courage to share song covers on her Instagram. At the tail end of 2019, after uploading an original song titled “Damage” to her Instagram feed, a young Ayra Starr received a DM from none other than superstar producer, Don Jazzy. “I didn’t even believe it was real,” she admits as we settle down for an interview a few weeks before her debut album release. The singer’s revelation is not surprising given that dreams are a luxury in these parts and they rarely ever look like we expect that they would. However, this reality hasn’t stopped Ayra’s shine as she is currently enjoying everything she’s worked so hard for. Ayra tells me that she still has a video of that exact life-changing moment. It’s a reminder of how far she’s come and how far she still has to go to see her dreams come true.
Ayra is now a long way from the girl who received a cold text from one of the continent’s greatest music producers and record executives, but she’s not forgotten the older version of herself that got her to her present reality. Ayra tells me that she’s always had an unwavering sense of self-belief in her musical abilities right from when she was a young girl. Music was peppered into the tapestry of her life right from the start, growing up in a musically-inclined family. The singer actually found her footing in music alongside her budding songwriter brother, who she tells me has been penning lyrics with her for as long as she can remember. It’s this supportive family background that Ayra leans on to propel her sense of self and bank on her superstar abilities.
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Benin City, the singer, from a very young age, was armed with the tools she needed to show up in the world. It cultivated a willingness to be the one saying it out loud when everyone in the room was quiet. She speaks fondly of her mother who nurtured her musical abilities from an early age. It was Ayra’s mum who encouraged her to remain consistent in her song covers on social media. Shortly after, a few stars aligned, social media virality came around and in no time, she was making music for audiences stuck inside during a global pandemic and ready to be connected to something deeper.
“I recorded and worked on my EP for the whole year 2020 during the lockdown.”
The result is what we are now witnessing today. On ‘Ayra Starr’, the singer wielded an unquestionable voice that demanded that you stop and listen, a common feature among all of Mavin’s brightest stars in the latter part of the previous decade. The sharp and soulful pulse of her music endeared the singer quite quickly to her new fans who have exponentially increased within the past year. Now, with all eyes on her and millions of views racked up across streaming platforms, Ayra Starr is ready to step into her most defining moment yet: the release of her debut album.
While it’s only been seven months since she released her debut EP and carved a lane for herself on the music scene, the rising star is already unveiling the world around her debut album this weekend. With the release of promotional single “Bloody Samaritan”, a powerfully charged number about guarding your light, and Ayra’s near-daily exclusives about the project on her social media, it’s infinitely clear that she’s very good at creating a world that we want to be a part of, or at the very least observe.
View this post on Instagram
‘19 & Dangerous’ is the most well-rounded glimpse into the singer’s colourful world. The album’s lyrics which delve into topics of love, loss, growth, and more capture something both inspirational and relatable while shining a light on Ayra, the storyteller. The focus, however, remains on the span of moods that Ayra is able to run through within the project’s runtime. “The first three songs are the badass anthems. Then we have the vulnerability side and lastly, there’s the self-acceptance side which acknowledges my journey where I’ve accepted myself and I’ve come into who I was always meant to be,” she tells me. The album is a testament to her growth and provides an aural balm for her listeners in need of healing.
“I’m allowing myself to grow. This album will speak for me in rooms where I am not there because I have put so much into the album so I want my fans to know that if you’re feeling hurt if you’re feeling sad, or powerful, this is the album for you.”
Over our Zoom call, Ayra Starr explained the process behind ‘19 & Dangerous’, her songwriting process, and staying true to oneself. Our chat, which follows below, has been lightly edited for clarity.
NATIVE: Hi Ayra, do you have an audience in mind when you create music?
AYRA: It just depends on the song. Sometimes when I go to the studio, I just want to vent out my feelings into the music. Sometimes it’s like you know I have a mission and I know that okay, I want to write on this exact topic. It really just depends on my mood.
NATIVE: Tell me more about the moment leading up to “Away” and going from that to now releasing music this year?
AYRA: I recorded and worked on my EP for the whole year 2020 during the lockdown. “Away” was one of those songs that I wrote six months before I recorded it because I wasn’t sure. I loved it so much, I didn’t even want to record it. It comforted me when I needed it the most as I’d sing it to myself to remain calm. I put that power into the lyrics and the music video because I wanted it to be as perfect as possible.
NATIVE: What inspired the title of your debut album ’19 & Dangerous’?
AYRA: I always knew I was going to name my album ’19 & Dangerous’. I said that by 19, I would release my first project and now, I am doing exactly that. People told me it was too early and doubted me but I refused to listen. Danger is just me. I was manifesting the danger last year and now I can feel it. The moment I knew that I was not afraid to fail and make mistakes was the moment that I knew I was ready for hard and diligent work.
“Once you are not afraid to fail and make mistakes then you have nothing to lose, then you become dangerous. Yeah, I’m 19 and I’m dangerous.”
View this post on Instagram
NATIVE: What are some of the themes you’re exploring on the album?
AYRA: We have “Bloody Samaritan” which is the lead single for the album. Bloody Samaritan just talks about hypocrites and criticisms I get from people. It’s just me telling people that you know you can’t kill my vibe. I divided the album into three different moods. We have the bad -I don’t want to say bitch- ok badass anthem. The first three songs are badass anthems. Then we have the vulnerability side then we have the self-acceptance side which is like oh I’ve accepted myself and I’ve come into who I was always meant to be. I’m allowing myself to grow. I’m allowing myself to be who I want to be.
NATIVE: What was the most memorable song for you to record during the process?
AYRA: Either “Cast” or “Bloody Samaritan”. I was recording different songs that day and I wasn’t feeling any of them. I told the producer to just play me the piano chords and I would sing over it. I remember hearing the chords for “Cast” and I freestyled it from the beginning to the end. That’s the energy, I’m dangerous. I’m not trying to be like anybody. Then also “Bloody Samaritan”, when I was listening to this song in the studio, I was just so nervous because I had the beat for six months and didn’t know what to use it for. I found it so challenging but I kept begging London not to play it for anyone else. The lyrics weren’t flowing so London to leave the studio for me and I recorded myself. By the time London was back, he was in shock. I had pulled it apart and pieced it back together perfectly.
NATIVE: How was it like channelling so much of you in this album?
AYRA: I’d say it was kind of challenging. Without the EP I’m not sure this album would have been ready because I felt like the EP taught me so much on how to be myself. I used to criticise myself on everything I did and I wanted to ask for people’s opinions on every single thing I did but when it came to the album I felt like I was ready. I want people to listen to my music and feel like it’s therapy so I put all that emotion into my music. Without judging myself, I allowed myself to feel. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to feel. To feel love, to feel joy, to feel heartbreak, to feel all that and just put that into the music.
NATIVE: Now that you’re so close to releasing your debut album, do any of the songs resonate with you any better?
AYRA: Definitely, “Under Water” because when I wrote it last year, I didn’t even understand what I was writing because I wrote it in my sleep. I say that every time that I write it in my sleep but people never believe me. I didn’t even understand what I wrote until this year when I came out. However, when I was going through a rough patch, the song was so relatable and I never knew I’d be writing it for myself.
NATIVE: With your debut album hours away, what’s one thing you now want to share with the world?
AYRA: Just you know, believe in yourself, first of all. With this album I want people to not think of anything before they start to listen to the album. Just go into it with a clear mind and let the music take you away. Let the music take you away. This album i feel like will speak for me in rooms where i am not there because I have put so much into the album so i want my fans to if you’re feeling hurt, if you’re feeling sad, you want to feel like a badass, if you want to feel powerful, this is the album for you. Just go and listen to it and enjoy the therapy session.
Stream ’19 & Dangerous’ below.
[Featured image credits: NATIVE]
Rema Has Another Banger With Explosive “Kelebu”
The Rave Lorde has kept to his word to deliver a summer hit.
Rema has released his highly anticipated new single “Kelebu.” Early last month, the Benin-born star took to social media to promise an incoming summer release. ‘Still owe y’all that summer Banger,’ he tweeted. Weeks later, he gave more insight about the direction of his forthcoming release, tweeting, ‘Ok.. I want y’all to DANCE this summer!’
After much anticipation, the singer posted a snippet of “Kelebu” in usual fashion, promising $10k for whoever comes up with an easy dance challenge and raising excitement for what is probably about to become a dancefloor staple quickly.
The self-proclaimed Rave Lorde seemed to have favoured a more tempered approach in the last few months, opting for the sheen and soulfulness of R&B on his first two releases of the year. “Baby (Is it a Crime),” which had already taken on a life of its own even before its official release, gives Sade’s 1985 classic “Is It A Crime” an Afropop and R&B facelift, while “Bout U” sounds like it was picked out of a 2004 Marion Winans release.
With the release of “Kelebu,” Rema returns to the familiar chaos of 2024’s ‘HEIS,’ borrowing from an array of genres to create what is, without a doubt, one of his most exhilarating releases to date. Teaming up with close collaborator London and the German-born Ambezza, “Kelebu” takes inspiration from a host of regional genres like Dominica’s Bouyon and Mara, the new Street-Pop subgenre that’s recently come into prominence. There’s also strong Makossa and Coupé-Décalé influences across the track as Rema tears through the riotous beat with breakneck pace.
Whether “Kelebu” fits into a bigger picture or is the start of something new remains to be seen. You can never be too sure with Rema. He could be teasing several Trap-inspired songs one minute, and then go ahead to release a sensual R&B record the next. The Mavin star is somewhat unpredictable, and that’s part of his huge appeal. You’re not certain what comes next, but you’re seated for the ride regardless.
Listen to “Kelebu” here.
Keep reading...
The Locales That Shaped Our Favourite Afropop Stars
Markers of those places inevitably show up in the music of our favorite stars, enriching our soundscape and...
The concept of origin and heritage has never been more important in Afropop than right now. As the edges of the sound broaden and influences spring forth from all over, artists are increasingly taking on ambassadorial roles that see them represent the people, attitude, and ideals of where they hail from. Whether by birth or upbringing, artists are intrinsically tied to and influenced by these places where they have spent significant time socialising and soaking up influences. The markers of those places inevitably show up in their music, enriching our soundscape and furthering our collective cultural memory.
Whether it is Olamide putting on for Bariga on “Oga Nla 1” in tandem with Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Lil Kesh or Burna Boy beautifying Port Harcourt on “City Vibration,” we get a glimpse into these places beyond run-of-the-mill news that doesn’t offer a rounded perspective on the inner workings of the community. We are at once witnesses to communal struggles and pain via these artists’ perspectives, as well as willful participants in their ascension to musical superstardom while doing their best to hold on to their communities.
We compiled a list of some artists whose rise and continued success pay homage to the communities that raised them.
Wizkid, Ojuelegba, Surulere
It’s pretty befitting that the quintessential Wizkid song is “Ojuelegba,” a cut from his 2014 sophomore studio album, ‘Ayo’. While the singer has paid homage to his birthplace on a few previous occasions, no song venerates the Lagos suburb quite like “Ojuelegba.” Even as he made the smooth transition from national hero to global superstar shortly after the release of ‘Ayo,’ the album’s standout track continued to serve as a melodious autobiography that helps establish his roots for those unfamiliar. The song’s accompanying music video also captures the suburb’s bustling energy, as well as the unforgiving conditions that produced him. – B.A
Burna Boy, Port Harcourt
One of the many things that Burna Boy speaks with pride about is his native Port Harcourt. He constantly ensures that his city is at the forefront of his craft, dedicating songs that either narrate his experiences in the Garden City or highlight some of the social and political issues plaguing his home city. Songs like “Where I’m From” and “Ph City Vibration,” highlights from his third studio album ‘Outside,’ double as sturdy deep cuts and brief history lessons about Port Harcourt. In late 2022, the pop star also released a short documentary for “Whiskey,” detailing the environmental crisis in his birthplace. – B.A
Olamide, Bariga
No Nigerian artist is as representative of mainland Lagos as Olamide Baddo. Still, even the mainland is not a monolith, as different areas have their quirks and unique colorations. Bariga, Olamide’s neck of the woods, has been an ever-present in his music from the very beginning of his career, providing inspiration and grounding for the street-pop juggernaut who references the lessons learned and tales handed down in his hood. “Money,” the opening track from his sophomore album, ‘YBNL,’ features a bus conductor calling out for passengers to Ladilak, Bariga, forever immortalising the Lagos hood on wax. On “Rep Adugbo” from his incendiary ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth,’ he’s similarly unabashed about his dedication to Bariga, its inhabitants, and authority figures. Even superstardom hasn’t dulled those representative instincts: on “Supplier,” from his 2023 album, ‘Unruly,’ he’s keen to remind anyone listening that he carries Bariga with him everywhere he goes. – W.O
Asake, Lagos Island
Asake could only have emerged from the crucible of Lagos Island. There’s something about his carriage that undoubtedly suggests an upbringing in the oldest part of Lagos, and even though he doesn’t always directly reference Lagos Island, the seeds of its influence are in the margin of his work. The back and forth between Islamic and Christian motifs in his work is a legacy of the religiously tolerant culture of Lagos Island, and his slang usage reflects a stint living in the ocean-side community. Perhaps the clearest sign of his connection to Lagos Island came on his third studio album, ‘Lungu Boy,’ a detailing of his come-up story from Lagos Island hopeful to global superstar. On “Uhh Yeahh,” he sings, “Beere mi ni Kakawa,” directly shouting out the popular street in Lagos Island. Visual elements of his tour dates from 2024 also heavily featured and celebrated the streets of Lagos Island as the singer leaned into his heritage. Places like Adeniji Adele, Freedom Park, and Marina were featured, letting the world know that Asake has not forgotten his roots. – W.O
Zlatan, Ikorodu
Zlatan Ibile takes great pride in giving game to ambitious young hustlers looking to move beyond the current situation of their lives. His rise from Ikorodu hoodrat to Nigerian Hip-Hop royalty is the stuff of legend, but the stories of his woes, troubles, and sufferings in Ikorodu keenly display the relentlessness and dogged determination that saw Zlatan make a name for himself. He’s keen to reminisce on those days from time to time. On “Elevated,” off SuperWozzy’s 2021 ‘Light Of The Trenches,’ he sings, “Won fe k’enu mi gbe seh, biti church rat/ Mo moyan pupo n’Ikorodu ton ti te Shoprite,” reflecting on the lack that plagues huge swathes of Ikorodu. It’s a similar impulse that births his verse on Ajebo Hustlers’ “Dreams II,” which features a reference to his mischievous streak growing in Ikorodu. – W.O
Rema, Ekenhuan Road, Benin
If the syrupy trap-adjacent flow Rema employed on his introductory project or his incursions into diverse genres on several occasions since then have fooled you, his 2023 album, ‘HEIS,’ was a defiant reclamation of his identity as a Benin boy. To be fair, ‘HEIS’ didn’t just drop out of the blues; the Mavin singer had been preparing his audience for that home-leaning lurch since he stepped on stage adorned in a replica of the iconic mask of storied Benin royal, Queen Idia, during his first sold-out concert at the O2 Arena in London.
Reminding his audience of the painful history of British incursion in Benin, Rema set the stage for ‘HEIS,’ an album steeped in Benin-specific lore and acts of remembrance. “BENIN BOYS,” his blockbuster collaboration with Shallipopi, could not have passed the message of his origin better. Featuring a shoutout to his old neighbourhood, Ekenhuan Road, and an urge to the Oba to award him a medal, “BENIN BOYS” is a larger-than-life celebration of his city. Taken together with the rage-inducing “OZEBA,” it was a spiritual return home for one of Benin’s most iconic sons that showcased his identity for the world to see. – W.O
Seyi Vibez, Ikorodu
No one puts on for Ikorodu quite like Seyi Vibez. While the singer was originally born in Ketu, it’s in Ikorodu that he honed his craft as a skilled musician. He’s referenced his upbringing and Ikorodu specifically in a lot of his earlier interviews and songs, and it’s in that same administrative division that he put together his first show that pulled a crowd of about 200 people. The singer returned in 2023 for a free homecoming concert as a way to celebrate and give back to the community that helped kickstart and support his musical journey. He’s continued to rep Ikorodu even in recent times, most notably on his hit record “Shaolin.” – B.A
Mohbad, Ikorodu
Mohbad was one of Ikorodu’s crown jewels. In August 2023, just about a month before his passing, the singer posted a video of himself on Instagram visiting his old neighbourhood in Ikorodu. He went around distributing gifts and reconciling with longtime friends without any security, interacting organically with a community that regarded him as one of their own. He put on for his community just as much as they did for him. After his unfortunate passing, the youth rallies that were organised in Ikorodu to commemorate and demand justice for his death highlighted just how important he was to one of Lagos’s most populous hubs. – B.A
Shallipopi, Sapele Road, Benin
Even if his golden drawl and sonorous pidgin didn’t betray his Benin heritage, Shallipopi wouldn’t pretend to be from anywhere else but his hometown. That Benin heritage is in how Shallipopi perceives the world, the way he talks, and, particularly, how he approaches his music. “Obapluto,” the standout on his debut project, ‘Planet Pluto,’ features a prominent sample of Pa Monday Edo’s “Ogbaisi,” an homage to the Oba of Benin. It’s a trick he repeated on “ASAP,” off his sophomore album, ‘Shakespopi,’ sampling Alhaji Waziri Oshomah’s “Ikwekiame Nedumhe.” The chorus of his 2025 hit single is almost entirely sung in Bini, displaying the reverence that Shallipopi has for Benin – W.O.
Omah Lay, Port Harcourt
On the opener of Omah Lay’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Boy Alone,’ he’s unequivocal about where he’s from. ‘All of the way from Port Harcourt/Water Side,’ he sings proudly, emphasising the city that shaped his music and creative voice. Throughout the album, he makes multiple other references to his background, whether it’s singing in his native Ikweere language or name-dropping neighbourhoods like the Marine Base area. In a Hypebeast interview from 2022, the singer spoke about his city with similar pride. “Port Harcourt is different from the rest of Nigeria in the way that we talk, eat– everything. It’s really different. All of that definitely influenced my music so much because it was really tough growing up in Port Harcourt, but that experience made me who I am today. I’ll never forget that or stop repping my city.” – B.A
Keep reading...
Best New Music: Ayra Starr Turns Youthful Swagger Into Sensual Elegance On “Hot Body”
On “Hot Body,” Ayra Starr sings with the relaxed certitude of a woman in command of her sexuality and...
All year, Ayra Starr’s music, visual aesthetic, and social media presence have shown us a new version of her. She seems to be outgrowing the teenager we met in 2021, and molding her grown woman identity right in our presence. In the video for “Gimme Dat,” her second single of the year, featuring Wizkid, we see the red convertible that featured on the cover for her 2024 album, ‘TYIT21,’ and extensively across music videos from that era being blown up into a crisp. It seemingly symbolised the end of one era and the birth of “Hot Body” and everything it represents.
When Ayra was introduced, her music explored themes tied to youth and the emotional fragility that comes with navigating that period of your life. The ‘19 and Dangerous’ era showed us a self-confident teenager who was sure of who she wanted to be. However, “Hot Body” signals something entirely different. Produced by Ragee with additional input from The Elements, it’s crystal clear from the first listen that Ayra is owning her allure and agency.
Employing a rhythm that feels retro-made for a cross between GRWM prep with the girls and sweaty dancefloor shifts, her vocal delivery feels almost like an incantation. It’s seductive. She’s fully in control of your gaze and even dictates what you do with it. On “Hot Body,” Ayra Starr sings with the relaxed certitude of a woman in command of her sexuality and space.
Her performance here is rife with context. Having graduated from teenage histrionics on ‘19 & Dangerous’ to the introspective, emotional maturity of her 2024 sophomore album, ‘The Year I Turned 21,’ Ayra Starr has grown not only in voice, but in message and presence. ‘The Year I Turned 21’ charted at No. 1 across DSPs in Nigeria and cracked the US Billboard 200, making her the first Nigerian female artist to enter that chart. This is a clear marker of her ascension into adulthood, and we can hear it in the music and see it in its visual accompaniment.
“Hot Body” feels like the logical next step after ‘The Year I Turned 21.’ Where that record explored vulnerability, grief, ambition, and identity, “Hot Body” distills the confidence born from that journey into a potent, sensual exhale. She’s no longer defining herself against the world; instead, she’s defining how the world should perceive her.
Lyrically, “Hot Body” is playful but bold, with just enough suggestion to feel grown and sexy without losing the thrill of young self‑discovery. Sonically, it’s sleek and minimalist, yet it’s brimming with the palpable charm of some of the best music of the 2000s–think Beyoncé and Sean Paul’s “Baby Boy” or Rihanna’s “Rehab.”
The rollout for the song matched its effortless energy. A snippet on TikTok and Instagram teased an accompanying dance to the song, and fans responded instantly, turning the anticipation into instant engagement. Capped at two minutes, it’s a release primed for our era of bite‑size virality: short, immediate, and boasting insane replay value.
Yet, what distinguishes “Hot Body” from many viral tracks is the assuredness of Ayra’s journey. She stormed charts with “Rush,” became the youngest Nigerian woman to surpass 100 million YouTube views, and earned a Grammy nomination for it–a badge of early achievement and youthful potential.
That youth is now transfigured. On “Hot Body,” Ayra embodies her new identity. What once sounded like a prophecy has become her reality: global collaborations, awards, stadium stages, modeling runways, and a major film role all fit into a broader canvas that her early self prayed for. “Hot Body” sits at the convergence of Ayra’s journey. It’s youthful swagger that has mutated into deliberate elegance; curious vulnerability solidified into mastery; and ambition shaped into ownership.
“Hot Body” is made for the dancefloor, but when you’re alone, it’s the perfect backdrop for the walk of recognition in a well-lit room as you give yourself flowers. Ayra tells us in this song that she knows who she is, what she looks like, and that’s enough.
Listen to “Hot Body” here.
Keep reading...
