Following her previous single with Rema, Who's Dat Girl, Ayra Starr returns with Where Do We Go, and it feels like a deep exhale. Released as she navigates her status as a definitive global sensation, the track maintains the high-octane energy of her previous hits.

The song’s origins are surprisingly grounded. Ayra Starr has shared that it began as a personal favourite that she and her friends would play while getting ready for nights out. However, the finished product, produced by longtime collaborator ILYA, is far more than a get-ready tune. It serves as a philosophical inquiry into her romantic life. The lyrics pose the question, Where do we go from here?, directed to her love interest.

Ultimately, Where Do We Go acts as a bridge to a fresh era for Ayra Starr. It retains the rhythmic essence that made her a household name but layers it with a newfound sobriety. It is a record that demands active listening, a soulful marker that proves even at the pinnacle of fame, the quest for direction remains a powerful and relatable human experience.

Listen to Where Do We Go here.

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Ayra Starr Lyrics

Where Do We Go lyrics by Ayra Starr describe a complicated romance filled with secret meetings, emotional attraction, and mixed signals from a partner who never clearly defines the relationship. The song captures feelings of heartbreak and uncertainty as she questions what the future holds after the relationship begins to fall apart.

Ayra Starr - Where Do We Go Lyrics

Verse 1
You come and see me
Park the Mercedes
You know this what you want
You've been here before, uh
And, yeah, we go after my friends, you're out of time (Ayy)
They don't need to know what we doing after hours

Pre-Chorus
I'ma need that bad, boy, my turn
Spin the block, can I give this a try?
All the time that you spent in my mind
Yeah, you love when I'm drunk off the wine
Then I call you out of line, yeah
You lead me on, then I follow you blind

Chorus
Where do we go from here?
After I dry my tеars
After we say goodbye
You nеver made it clear
I wanna know
Where do we go?

Post-Chorus
Where do we go, go, go?
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
Where do we go, go, go, go?
(I can see you moving your body go wild)
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
Where do we go, go, go?
Where do we go, go, go, go?

Verse 2
I come and see you
Park the Mercedes
I know this what you want
I been here before, uh
And, yeah, we go after my friends, you're out of time (Ayy)
They don't need to know what we doing after hours

Pre-Chorus
I'ma need that bad, boy, my turn
Spin the block, can I give this a try?
All the time that you spent in my mind
Yeah, you love when I'm drunk off the wine
Then I call you out of line, yeah
You lead me on, then I follow you blind

Chorus
Where do we go from here?
After I dry my tears
After we say goodbye
You never made it clear
I wanna know
Where do we go?

Post-Chorus
Where do we go, go, go?
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
Where do we go, go, go, go?
(I can see you moving your body)
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
Where do we go, go, go?
Where do we go, go, go, go?

Outro
Where do we go, go, go?
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
Where do we go, go, go, go?
(I can see you moving your body)
(Come pon your waist with the whine up, girl)
Where do we go, go, go?
Where do we go, go, go, go?

Check Lyrics of latest songs here, and get fresh updates as they drop via X and Facebook

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Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

“Yep, play.”

Those two words, heard at the very top of Ayra Starr’s latest video, might just be the most telling thing she’s said all week. If the clip she just shared is anything to go by, the Mavin Records superstar is clearly warming up for something big.

The video opens in a sparse white room—bare ceilings, exposed pipes, and industrial conduits running along the walls. It feels raw, almost unfinished. Then the camera tilts down, and there she is: long, dark curly hair, deep purple eye makeup that demands your full attention, a black sequined dress, and a jewelled harness with a large silver cross resting at her chest. With electric purple tights and matching heeled sandals, the head-to-toe colour palette feels entirely intentional.

What follows is as confident a self-introduction as one can give without saying a word. She dances and poses through the frame like she already knows the track she’s soundtracking is going to land. It is a mood reel, a visual statement, and—if you read between the lines—almost certainly a teaser for a new musical chapter.

There are already strong whispers that this track, rumoured to be titled “Where Do We Go“, is the lead single from her recently completed third studio album. Fans have been waiting for a solo follow-up to her massive 2025 run, which included the Wizkid-assisted hit “Gimme Dat“—the song that recently earned her a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance.

We don’t have a confirmed release date just yet. However, between the snatched purple makeup and that two-word command at the top of the clip, it really does feel like Ayra Starr is getting ready to make some noise again.

 

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“Every day I feel happy, I feel grateful.” That’s how Ayra Starr summed up this moment in her career as she sat down with Love Island USA’s Chelley Bissainthe on Billboard News to talk about her multiple GRAMMY nominations this year. For the singer, this second round of nominations feels like reassurance, a reminder that she’s on the right path. She shared that it has strengthened her confidence in her choices and deepened her trust in God, especially after reflecting on earlier GRAMMY ceremonies and how much she has grown since then.

The conversation moved easily through some of her recent creative milestones, including the making of “Gimme Dat,” where she sampled Wyclef Jean’s “911 / Diallo” and recorded in his studio. Ayra also spoke about losing her voice during the recording process, how Wizkid came on board for the track, and her role in co-directing the music video. She touched on her evolving sense of self, linking her recent hair change to a wider creative shift, and named influences such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, her mum, and her faith.

Ayra also spoke about the importance of African music being recognised across different genres on a global stage, sharing her excitement about where the sound is headed. She mentioned Burna Boy as a dream collaborator, said she’s looking forward to seeing Leon Thomas at the GRAMMYs, and encouraged her fans to create what they want without waiting for permission.

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Ayra Starr is clearly getting into Grammy mode. As the big night approaches, she has been making the rounds at some of the biggest pre-Grammy events, serving memorable looks along the way. At The Recording Academy’s MusiCares gala — held in honour of Mariah Carey as Person of the Year — Ayra arrived in a custom Nicola Bacchilega design that felt elegant, confident, and unmistakably her.

Styled by Elly Karamoh, she stepped out in a champagne-toned satin gown with a structured corset-style bodice that flowed into a floor-length skirt with a soft train. Off-the-shoulder straps added a classic touch, while her beauty look leaned into old-Hollywood glamour, complete with glossy waves and a subtle curl at the front. She finished the look with diamond studs, rings, and a bracelet, paired with nude-toned makeup and clean, manicured nails. The overall effect was polished and quietly assured.

She didn’t stop there. At Spotify’s Best New Artist party, Ayra switched things up with a bolder look, again styled by Karamoh. This time, she opted for a sheer black lace bodysuit with fitted sleeves and a defined waist. Layered silver necklaces with cross pendants and statement drop earrings took centre stage, while her high ponytail, finished with an oversized black bow, added a romantic edge to the look.

Beyond the fashion moments, all eyes will be on Ayra this Sunday as she competes in the Best African Music Performance category for her hit “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid. She’s up against Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido and Omah Lay (“With You”), South Africa’s Tyla (“PUSH 2 START”), and Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo (“Hope & Love”). With these pre-Grammy appearances setting the tone, anticipation is already building around what she’ll wear to the main ceremony.

 

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The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are officially around the corner, and for us in the motherland, Sunday, 1st February 2026, is the only date that matters. While the world watches the “Big Four,” we have our eyes firmly fixed on the Best African Music Performance category. It is more than just an award; it is a celebration of the sounds that have moved from our local streets to the global stage.

This year’s “Big 5” contenders are a perfect mix of seasoned giants and the “new school” leaders who are currently holding the world in a chokehold. Here is everything you need to know about the songs and the stars vying for that golden gramophone.

Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr Featuring Wizkid

The “Celestial Being” and the “Starboy” teamed up once again for “Gimme Dat,” and the results were pure magic. Released on 25th April 2025, the song samples the iconic “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, blending jazzy reggae beats with sultry Afrobeats rhythms. It’s a confident, sensual track where Ayra lists exactly what she needs in a lover—peace of mind and 100% commitment—while Wizkid delivers a breezy, seasoned verse.

Ayra Starr’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric; after becoming the youngest Nigerian artist nominated for a Grammy last year, she returns with even more momentum. Wizkid, a Grammy winner himself for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl,” brings that veteran “Big Wiz” aura to the track, making this collaboration a formidable contender.

Love – Burna Boy

The “City Boy” himself is back in the Grammy conversation with “Love,” a standout track from his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness,” released on 10th July 2025. Produced by Dre Skull, the song is a beautiful, introspective Afro-fusion piece that explores themes of loyalty, self-protection, and genuine devotion. It’s Burna Boy at his most vulnerable, trading his usual high-energy “pon di beats” for a mid-tempo, soulful reflection on who truly stands by you when the lights go out.

Burna is no stranger to the Recording Academy; this nomination brings his career total to a staggering 13 nods over seven consecutive years. Having already won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for “Twice as Tall,” he enters this race as a heavyweight veteran.

With You – Davido Featuring Omah Lay

Released on 18th April 2025 as a highlight of Davido’s fifth studio album, “5ive,” the track is a masterclass in modern Highlife. Inspired by Bright Chimezie’s 1984 hit “Because of English,” the song features a repeating guitar loop and an easy, flirtatious charm that is hard to resist. Davido actually considered scrapping the song initially, but we are so glad he didn’t.

Omah Lay’s aching delivery pairs perfectly with Davido’s tender performance, making this a fan favourite. The nomination builds on Davido’s growing Grammy momentum after his historic three-nomination run last year, while for Omah Lay, it’s another well-earned nod that reinforces his place as one of the genre’s most distinctive voices.

PUSH 2 START – Tyla

After making history as the inaugural winner of this category 2024 with “Water,” South African sensation Tyla is looking for a back-to-back victory with “PUSH 2 START.”

Released on 11th October 2024 as part of her TYLA + deluxe album, the song uses car metaphors to navigate the thrills of attraction and commitment. It’s a flawless blend of Amapiano, Pop, and R&B that has already dominated the Billboard and UK Afrobeats charts.

Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love

Adding a unique, cross-cultural flavour to the category is “Hope & Love,” a collaboration between Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Iranian artist Mehran Matin. Released on 13th August 2025, the song is an uplifting Afrobeat anthem designed to unite hearts across borders. Featuring the joyful energy of the Masaka Kids Africana, the track is a reminder that music is a universal language that shines brightest in the darkness.

Eddy Kenzo remains a pioneer for East African music on the global stage. This isn’t his first rodeo; he made history in 2023 as the first Ugandan artist to be nominated for a Grammy. His return to the category with Mehran Matin shows that his mission to “spread love” through music is far from over.

Did You Know?

The Best African Music Performance category is relatively new. It was created in June 2023 and first awarded in 2024 to recognise recordings that utilise unique local expressions from across the continent. The Recording Academy established this dedicated space to acknowledge the massive global impact of genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, and Bongo Flava.

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The nominations for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are officially here, and it is a massive moment for African music on the global stage. Set to take place live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, 26 March, the ceremony will celebrate the most-played songs and artists from the past year while giving us a look at what is coming next.

This year, the spotlight is firmly on our very own stars. Ayra Starr, Tyla, and Moliy have all secured spots in the “World Artist of the Year” category. They are joined in that category by global heavyweights Jackson Wang and JO1.

Ghanaian breakout star Moliy is having a particularly historic run. She has become the most-nominated African artist at this year’s awards with three major nods. Aside from “World Artist of the Year,” she is up for “Best New Artist (Hip-Hop)” and “Best Music Video” for the remix of her hit, Shake It to the Max (FLY). The track, which features Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy, became a global fixture in 2025, topping the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats chart and becoming the most Shazamed song of the year.

The nominations also feature big names like Taylor Swift, who leads with nine nominations, followed closely by Sabrina Carpenter, Bad Bunny, and Alex Warren. Shaboozey is also in the mix with nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Country Song of the Year” for his hit “Good News.”

For the fans, there is plenty of room to get involved. Several categories are socially voted, including “Best Music Video,” where you can support Moliy’s collaboration. Voting is open now and will run until 19 March, giving everyone a chance to help decide who takes home the trophy in Los Angeles this March.

See the full list of nominees below:

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Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

At this point, there’s really no need to ask “Who’s Dat Girl?” anymore. Everyone knows Ayra Starr is that girl. And the night she stepped on stage in Cotonou, Benin Republic, only made it even clearer. The singer delivered a performance the Beninese audience won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

After the show, Ayra did what she often does so well. She shared a gratitude post, along with a set of photos from the stage that immediately caught our attention. Naturally, we had to talk about the look.

She went for an all-white moment that felt both chic and cool. The outfit featured a sheer organza blouse with long sleeves and a plunging neckline, layered over a neat bralette. This was paired with a structured mini skirt detailed with pleats and an asymmetrical peplum at the hip, finished off with a visible zip detail. The pointed-toe pumps stayed on theme, also in white.

One detail we can’t get over is the small matching white bow tucked into her hair. It’s subtle, sweet and adds a soft, girly touch that works beautifully with the rest of the outfit.

Ayra captioned the photos with a simple “merci beaucoup”, alongside Benin flags, a beautiful nod to the love she received in Cotonou. And really, it says it all.

 

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took over the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, over the weekend, and as always, music’s biggest stars brought fashion moments worth talking about. Hosted by LL Cool J, the night celebrated some of the year’s most-watched music videos and saw icons like Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey — this year’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient — take centre stage.

But before the awards were handed out, the red carpet set the tone. This year’s fashion leaned into bold silhouettes, nostalgic nods and experimental styling choices, proving the VMAs are still the place for risk-taking.

Love Island’s Olandria Carthen was a vision in a vibrant cherry-red bustier bodysuit with a sheer mesh train that flowed dramatically behind her. Rapper GloRilla kept things playful in a plaid top and blazer by Helen Anthony, paired with a mini skirt, frilly white socks and black patent heels for a school-girl-meets-streetwear twist.

Tyla, known for her ability to surprise on the carpet, tapped into vintage luxury with a Chanel Spring/Summer 1993 archival top, styled with layered gold chains and sleek black pumpse. Ciara’s Schiaparelli look from the Spring/Summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection offered a nod to Sporty Spice with its high neck, mini skirt and bold red finish.

Afrobeats star Ayra Starr matched the buzz around her new single “Hot Body” in a daring, strappy black jumpsuit, paired with a short pixie cut, glittering nose strip, stacked bangles and towering platform heels, a look that felt both futuristic and playful.

From vintage fashion moments to experimental styling, the VMAs once again reminded us why it remains a staple in music and fashion culture.

Keep scrolling for more of the top looks from this year’s show.

Olandria

 

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Ayra Starr

 

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Shenseea

 

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LL Cool J

 

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Ciara

 

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Tyla

 

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Justine Skye

 

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Gunna

 

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GloRilla

 

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Word on the street is that “Hot Body” is the song of the summer, and it’s easy to see why. We may not officially have ‘summer’ seasons here in Nigeria, but Ayra Starr’s global hit has transcended borders, becoming a soundtrack for sunny days and good vibes everywhere.

Since its release, “Hot Body” has been everywhere, a feel-good soundtrack that celebrates confidence, self-love, and pure vibes. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to move, groove, and show off exactly what your “hot body” can do. From TikTok dance challenges to playlists across the world, Ayra has given us a track that feels as light as a holiday breeze yet carries her signature Afropop magic.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, she dropped the visuals, and it’s everything you’d expect and more. The video takes us on a luxurious cruise with Ayra Starr at the helm, literally. She pilots the ship, leading a squad of stunning women as they sail towards a dreamy island escape. What follows is pure joy: carefree dancing, beachside fun, and a celebration of beauty, friendship, and freedom, all framed by breathtaking scenery.

It’s glamorous, unapologetic, and quintessentially Ayra Starr.

Watch the video below.

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When you’ve got a track called “Hot Body,” you probably expect things to get a bit steamy, but Ayra Starr definitely wasn’t prepared for what happened during her recent Capital XTRA interview.

Picture this: the superstar is settling in for what she thinks will be a normal chat about her latest hit when suddenly, a group of Magic Mike dancers appear out of nowhere. There was no music nor warning, just pure choreographed chaos as these incredibly fit gentlemen start performing an impromptu dance routine right there in the studio.

Ayra’s initial surprise quickly melted into delight as she watched the surprise performance unfold. The dancers, complete with six-packs and serious moves, clearly had her song “Hot Body” running through their minds as they put on quite the show. By the end of it all, a thoroughly thrilled Ayra could barely contain her excitement.

“This is the best thing you’ve ever done for me,” she gushed to the Capital XTRA hosts. When asked to elaborate after moments blushing and trying to compose herself, she admitted she was completely speechless.

But the interview wasn’t just about the unexpected entertainment. Ayra got to chat with the Capital XTRA HQ host about “Hot Body”—the track that’s got everyone feeling confident and sultry. She also shared some brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about what it’s been like touring with Coldplay.

Watch the full interview below.

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Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

Ayra Starr is busy making the case for being the coolest person alive. Over the weekend, the 22-year-old Nigerian pop star showed up at Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres tour in Miami looking beautiful, sounding like summer, and casually performing her new single “Hot Body” alongside Chris Martin.

Before they even started, Martin gave her a glowing intro: “This is Ayra Starr from Nigeria. She is going to be the world’s biggest pop star soon.” And if you’ve heard “Hot Body,” you know he’s not wrong.

Ayra taught Coldplay’s guitarist the lyrics on stage, danced like the main character, because she is, and kept things electric, without needing to shout. Dancers flipped around her, the crowd swayed and screamed, and just when you thought it couldn’t get more surreal—Lionel Messi appeared on the big screen, watching it all unfold like the rest of us.

“I just performed Hot Body with Coldplay !!! And Messi was in the audience,” she wrote on Instagram, casually dropping that bombshell like she hadn’t just done the coolest thing in the world.

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Ayra Starr has responded to reports of being forbidden to date under her new contract with Roc Nation.

Multiple award-winning Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has responded with humor to a viral video circulating online regarding how she's forbidden from love under her newly announced contract with global entertainment powerhouse Roc Nation.

The video, which sparked widespread discussion across social media, claimed that Ayra’s Roc Nation contract reportedly included a clause preventing her from dating.

In response, Ayra Starr herself jumped into the comment section and playfully wrote, “Does Ayra Starr know about this?”

Her lighthearted reaction quickly gained traction, with fans praising her for maintaining her signature authenticity and addressing the speculation without drama. It’s a moment that underscores her growing confidence as she navigates international fame while staying grounded in her personality.

Earlier this month, Ayra was officially unveiled as a Roc Nation artist, a major milestone that places her alongside global icons under the label founded by Jay-Z.

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Ayra Starr is keeping the vibes alive with the release of her brand-new single, “Hot Body” – a flirty, feel-good party anthem that’s all about living in the moment and letting loose on the dancefloor.

The track arrives just three months after “Gimme Dat,” her electrifying collaboration with Wizkid. Now, with “Hot Body,” Ayra switches into full party mode, delivering hooks and playful lyrics that celebrate attraction, confidence, and the thrill of a carefree night out.

With its pulsating beats and cheeky chorus – “I wanna rock your hot body” – “Hot Body” is set to dominate your playlists and dancefloors alike. Fans are already calling it the perfect weekend anthem, and with Ayra teasing more music on the way, it seems the “Sabi Girl” is just getting started.

Listen

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It’s a sabi summerrr indeed! Ayra Starr just dropped some brand-new photos from her recent performance with none other than Coldplay, and if you know anything about Ayra, you know the vibe is never halfway. Captioning it “back on stageee with the best Band in the worlddd Coldplay,” the superstar reminded us that her summer isn’t just hot, it’s global.

The photos take us right into the heart of the performance. One shot captures a fully coordinated set with dancers dressed in edgy black leather trousers and white tank tops printed with black stars. The scene has a cool, industrial look with chain-link fencing, stomping boots and sharp choreography all coming together.

Another photo brings that unmistakable concert magic. Ayra, dressed in white with metallic accents, fishnets and knee-high boots, performs alongside Chris Martin. Her hand rests lightly on his shoulder as blue lights flood the stage. A drum kit lingers in the background, adding to the thrill of the moment.

And just when you think it’s all about the stage, Ayra switches things up completely. The final look is Western-inspired, but with her own twist. A classic cowboy hat, chunky gold jewellery and a black strappy top with gold hardware come together for a bold, confident look. It’s giving cowgirl meets cosmopolitan, from Lagos to London.

Are you loving this look on Ayra Starr? Because we definitely are.

 

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Fresh off her 2025 BET Award win for Best International Act, Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr released her latest single, “Hot Body” today, a sultry, dancehall-tinged song – her third release this year – that is as seductive and alluring as the summertime vibe it possesses.

Produced by Ragee and The Elements, “Hot Body” channels humid nights and a languid, late-night dancefloor mood. The beat leans into a bouncier, percussion-heavy groove, while Ayra Starr's voice carries the same magnetic allure that defined her previous releases. The lyrics are enticing; “Look what a hot body can do/ look, focus,” she insists, then, a revelation: “body be dancing/ slow whine, summer body so fine.” She turns up the sensuality without losing the sheen that has defined her career thus far. The video, lo-fi with VHS textures, sees her in top shape, lost in her world, ready and willing to walk into the night.

Is it a photoshoot? Is it a brief moment outside before going back into the club? Is Ayra Starr about to jump into the pool? It’s all of them at once, distilled into a series of frames where the artist and the camera are locked in motion.

Since her 2021 breakout, 19 & Dangerous, Ayra Starr has charted an upward course and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Her Grammy-nominated hit “Rush” remains the most-streamed solo track by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify. The accompanying video made her the youngest African woman to hit 100 million views on YouTube. She’s been a consistent force across award circuits too, winning Female Artist of the Year at both the Headies and AFRIMMA Awards, plus two major African Entertainment Awards USA titles in 2024.

Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, was released in mid-2024 and was one of the most-streamed Afrobeats albums on Spotify that year. It featured high-profile collaborations with artists like Giveon, Anitta, Coco Jones, and Seyi Vibez, bridging genres and geographies while at it. The album’s success helped the superstar lock in her spot as the second most-nominated act at the 2025 Headies.

Earlier this month, she signed a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, reflecting her growing pull beyond the continent. It also aligns with her ongoing stadium tour across Europe, where she’s opening for Coldplay. The tour has exposed her music to massive audiences across cities like Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, and London. She is also booked to perform at Global Citizen 2025, one of the year’s most high-profile international concert platforms. The lineup includes the likes of Tyla, The Weeknd, and Shakira.

With more than four billion career streams under her belt and a major international infrastructure now behind her, Ayra Starr is operating at a different tier.

South African star Tyla and Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr will join a high-profile lineup at this year's Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on September 27 in New York City's Central Park. The event will be headlined by The Weeknd and Shakira, and hosted by long-time Global Citizen ambassador Hugh Jackman.

The festival continues Global Citizen's mission to end extreme poverty and drive action on global issues. This year, the campaign is focused on providing energy access for one million people on the African continent, ensuring quality education for 30,000 children worldwide, and protecting 30 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest. The festival will also push to recruit 40,000 volunteers across New York City.

Tyla, who recently won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, is riding high after a breakout year that saw her single "Water" become a global hit. Her appearance at the Global Citizen Festival marks another significant milestone in her growing international career.

Ayra Starr, one of Nigeria's most prominent voices in the new wave of Afrobeats, will also take the stage. Known for her chart-topping hits like "Rush" and her boundary-pushing style, the artist continues to gain traction across global markets. Both artists represent a younger generation of African talent reaching broader audiences while staying grounded in their cultural roots.

Their participation in the festival reflects Global Citizen's growing attention to Africa as a central part of its advocacy. One of the campaign's core goals this year is to help bring clean and affordable energy to communities across the continent. Through its Scaling Up Renewables in Africa campaign, Global Citizen plans to raise $1.5 billion to train 50,000 young workers in solar installation, grid maintenance, and other essential energy services. The initiative could provide reliable electricity to over a million people, while also supporting jobs and reducing emissions.

In a statement, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said: "Ending extreme poverty is within our reach – but only if we come together to ensure governments and corporations deliver on their promises: scaling up renewable energy, protecting the Amazon, and investing in education for the next generation."

Tickets to the festival are free and can be earned by taking action on Global Citizen's app or website. These include signing petitions, emailing world leaders, or volunteering time to local causes.

Since its inception, Global Citizen has helped secure $49 billion in commitments, positively impacting the lives of more than a billion people. With artists like Tyla and Ayra Starr on board, the 2025 edition brings Africa even closer to the heart of this global movement.

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr is officially on the artists' clientele list of Roc Nation, the boutique music label, entertainment, and sports services company founded by iconic American rapper and mogul JAY-Z. Rumors of the deal intensified after Roc Nation posted a snippet of Starr's soon-to-be-released single, "Hot Body," on its social media pages late last week. Confirmation came with the singer's dedicated page on the company's website.

Still signed to Mavin, the Don Jazzy-founded Nigerian label that discovered and helped drive her breakout, Starr's deal with Roc Nation is a strategic partnership that's expected to improve her already formidable global popularity, particularly in the U.S. and across Europe.

"Ayra Starr's signing with Roc Nation is a fantastic gambit by the team at Mavin/Universal to give her capable hands to match her ambition," Afrobeats Intelligence host Joey Akan says, describing the singer as "an 'IT' pop girl" with high ambitions.

Starr will now be managed internationally by Roc Nation, a move designed to leverage her star power and momentum. The singer is currently on a stadium tour with British rock band Coldplay. She will make her full acting debut in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's Children of Blood and Bone and has won BET and MOBO awards in recent months.

"Having been funneled into Universal Music Group, via the deal with Mavin, what this simply means is, with Roc Nation, she becomes part of another family that prides itself on execution," Akan adds. "America is Roc Nation's market. And they've worked that region enough to have blueprints, deep connections, and the pockets to sway."

Roc Nation boasts an expansive client list of successful artists across management, distribution, and publishing, including rappers Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert, R&B singers Alicia Keys and Snoh Aalegra, and Latin pop superstar J Balvin, among many others.

"With this deal, Ayra and the team at Mavin signify her commitment to succeeding in the West by operating deep in the US market," Akan says. "The aim is to produce another global star from Nigeria. And they're well on their way."

Did you know that Ayra Starr sampled Mary J. Blige and Wyclef Jean’s 2000 classic “911” in her latest track, Gimme Dat? The Grammy nominee shares the inspiration behind the song on a new episode of Genius’ Verified, and it’s an exciting deep dive into her creative process.

‘Gimme Dat” is a vibrant track that captures the longing for love, emotional security, and genuine connection in a relationship. It’s delivered with Ayra’s signature confidence, playful charm, and sultry tone.

The track also features Wizkid, marking another noteworthy collaboration between the two stars following their hit “2 Sugar.”During the episode, Ayra opens up about moving beyond her comfort zone, what it means to love with loyalty, and recognising alignment in different areas of life.

She also takes time to break down the lyrics, giving fans insight into her storytelling, and even shares the meaning behind some of her choreography in recent music videos.

Watch the full episode below.

The post Watch Ayra Starr Dissect “Gimme Dat” & the Influence of Mary J. Blige’s “911” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Mavin Records star Ayra Starr has spoken out against persistent online bullying and criticism.

Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has broken her silence, addressing relentless online bullying in a bold social media post.

In a strongly worded message shared via her X account on Monday, June 16, 2025, the Commas hitmaker expressed her frustration over being constantly trolled and misunderstood by internet users.

Without holding back, Ayra addressed those who, in her words, deliberately target and misconstrue her actions. “There’s nothing I can do nor say to people that intentionally want to bully and misunderstand me every time. You’ve found a scapegoat abi? Focus on issues that actually matter and leave me TF alone,” she tweeted.

Although Ayra Starr didn’t reference any particular event, her post comes amid widespread speculation that it was triggered by recent backlash she faced for allegedly remaining silent during Nigeria’s latest national tragedies, including the deadly attack in Benue State. Several social media users had criticized her, along with other young celebrities, for not using their platforms to address pressing social issues.

Lastly, Ayra Starr’s statement has since sparked conversations online. Fans and fellow celebrities are showing support, while others reignited debates about the responsibilities of public figures in times of national crisis.

There’s nothing I can do nor say to people that intentionally want to bully and misunderstand me every time , you’ve found a scapegoat abi ? Focus on issues that actually matter and leave me tf alone

— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) June 16, 2025

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