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  • ✇BellaNaija Music
  • Ayra Starr & Angélique Kidjo Are Talking About Living Life and Getting It on “Aye Kan”
    Remember when we told you that Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo and our own “Celestial Being” Ayra Starr were cooking something special in the studio? Well, the wait is over, and it turns out not even a literal storm could stop this collaboration. Taking to Instagram to share the backstory, Angélique revealed that the duo joined forces at the iconic Power Station Recording Studio in New York on 22 February—the
     

Ayra Starr & Angélique Kidjo Are Talking About Living Life and Getting It on “Aye Kan”

29 mars 2026 à 09:38

Remember when we told you that Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo and our own “Celestial Being” Ayra Starr were cooking something special in the studio? Well, the wait is over, and it turns out not even a literal storm could stop this collaboration.

Taking to Instagram to share the backstory, Angélique revealed that the duo joined forces at the iconic Power Station Recording Studio in New York on 22 February—the day of the “Blizzard of the Century.” Despite the freezing winds outside, the energy inside was pure fire. “Not even a storm could have prevented us from singing and dancing together! Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?) was born!” the legend shared.

The track is a vibrant, cross-generational anthem that explores the balance between “jaye” (living the life) and the hustle. Ayra Starr brings her signature flair to the lyrics, weaving between English and Yoruba with lines like “Awon kan jaye, awon kan si ma ja waya”—a reminder of the diverse rhythms of life.

The production credits read like a Mavin Records dream team, with Louddaaa handling the beat and the multi-talented Johnny Drille delivering a soulful depth mix.

Watch the official video for “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)” below:

Watch below

The post Ayra Starr & Angélique Kidjo Are Talking About Living Life and Getting It on “Aye Kan” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇BellaNaija Music
  • The Link-Up You Hoped For! Angélique Kidjo & Ayra Starr Just Made It Official With “Aye Kan”
    Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr sitting in a recording studio for their Aye Kan collaboration. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram Do you know Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr have been cooking something in the studio? Don’t worry, this Friday, you get to feast on a single from the duo. Now, the secret is officially out. The five-time Grammy Award winner has confirmed that Ayra Starr is the special guest on her upcoming single, â&#
     

The Link-Up You Hoped For! Angélique Kidjo & Ayra Starr Just Made It Official With “Aye Kan”

25 mars 2026 à 17:28

Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr sitting in a recording studio for their Aye Kan collaboration.

Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr sitting in a recording studio for their Aye Kan collaboration. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

Do you know Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr have been cooking something in the studio? Don’t worry, this Friday, you get to feast on a single from the duo. Now, the secret is officially out.

The five-time Grammy Award winner has confirmed that Ayra Starr is the special guest on her upcoming single, “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)”. She shared the news on social media alongside a glimpse into their studio session, adding that they had “so much fun” putting the track together. From the dancing in the video, it’s easy to see what she means.

This collaboration has been a long time coming. The two first set the internet buzzing earlier this year when they met at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles. Seeing the Beninese legend and the Nigerian star share a moment on the red carpet, with Ayra in a champagne corset gown, had many hoping for a musical link-up. It turns out they got to work not long after.

Ayra Starr in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown posing with five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, who is wearing a grey blazer and red headwrap, at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles.

Ayra Starr in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown posing with five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, who is wearing a grey blazer and red headwrap, at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

For Ayra Starr, this is another big moment in a busy year. She is still riding the wave of her latest single, “Where Do We Go,” and a collaboration with a global icon like Kidjo further reinforces her place as one of the continent’s most exciting voices.

As for the “Queen of African Music,” this release sets the tone for what’s ahead. The single leads into Angélique’s highly anticipated 19th studio album, “Hope!!,” arriving on 24 April. The project also features names like Davido and The Cavemen, making it one to look out for.

Mark your calendars for Friday, 27 March. Something tells us this one will be on repeat for a while.

 

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The post The Link-Up You Hoped For! Angélique Kidjo & Ayra Starr Just Made It Official With “Aye Kan” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇BellaNaija Music
  • Ayra Starr’s New Single “Where Do We Go” Is About That Situationship You Cannot Quite Name
    Ayra Starr in a leopard print vest with a monochromatic purple beauty look, featuring lilac eye shadow and matching lilac nails. Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram If you have heard “Where Do We Go” and found yourself replaying it trying to figure out exactly what Ayra Starr is saying and feeling, you are not alone. Released on 6th March 2026 under Mavin Global Holdings and Republic Records, the track is her first solo single of 2026 and it arrived with a lot
     

Ayra Starr’s New Single “Where Do We Go” Is About That Situationship You Cannot Quite Name

10 mars 2026 à 14:54

ayra Starr in a leopard print vest with a monochromatic purple beauty look, featuring lilac eye shadow and matching lilac nails.

Ayra Starr in a leopard print vest with a monochromatic purple beauty look, featuring lilac eye shadow and matching lilac nails. Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

If you have heard “Where Do We Go” and found yourself replaying it trying to figure out exactly what Ayra Starr is saying and feeling, you are not alone. Released on 6th March 2026 under Mavin Global Holdings and Republic Records, the track is her first solo single of 2026 and it arrived with a lot to say.

The song describes a complicated romance filled with secret meetings, emotional attraction and mixed signals from a partner who never clearly defines the relationship. The opening verse paints a very specific picture — late night visits, a parked Mercedes, meetings kept away from friends — and builds into a chorus that asks the question most people in that situation eventually reach: where do we go from here? The pre-chorus puts it plainly: “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.” It is the kind of lyric that will feel uncomfortably familiar to anyone who has been on the receiving end of that particular type of confusion.

close-up of Ayra Starr with her eyes closed, showcasing a dramatic purple eyeshadow look with silver glitter, paired with glossy lilac lips and matching lilac nails.

Close-up of Ayra Starr with her eyes closed, showcasing a dramatic purple eyeshadow look with silver glitter, paired with glossy lilac lips and matching lilac nails. Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

Produced by ILYA, the track mixes Afropop with electronic beats, giving it a sound that sits somewhere between a club record and a late night reflection. The chorus is repetitive in the best way — “Where do we go, go, go, go?” — and it lodges itself in your head almost immediately. Ayra Starr has spoken about the song’s origins, sharing that it began as a personal favourite that she and her friends would play while getting ready for nights out. She described it as “my track for a while, a long time” and said it was “our get ready song” before it became a fully finished record.

“Where Do We Go” follows her previous single “Who’s Dat Girl” featuring Rema, and arrives as she continues building towards her third studio album. It is two minutes long, it does not waste a single second, and if the question it is asking sounds familiar to you, that is entirely the point.

Listen below

The post Ayra Starr’s New Single “Where Do We Go” Is About That Situationship You Cannot Quite Name appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇BellaNaija Music
  • Davido, Ayra Starr & The Cavemen Join Angélique Kidjo on Upcoming Album “Hope!!”
    Close-up studio portrait of Angélique Kidjo wearing a red headscarf and a black top with colourful 3D floral appliqués, smiling against a white background for her “Hope!!” album campaign. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram If there is one artist who has spent decades proving that African music belongs everywhere, on every stage, in every conversation, it is Angélique Kidjo. And she is not slowing down.
     

Davido, Ayra Starr & The Cavemen Join Angélique Kidjo on Upcoming Album “Hope!!”

10 mars 2026 à 13:02

Close-up studio portrait of Angélique Kidjo wearing a red headscarf and a black top with colourful 3D floral appliqués, smiling against a white background for her "Hope!!" album campaign.

Close-up studio portrait of Angélique Kidjo wearing a red headscarf and a black top with colourful 3D floral appliqués, smiling against a white background for her “Hope!!” album campaign. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

If there is one artist who has spent decades proving that African music belongs everywhere, on every stage, in every conversation, it is Angélique Kidjo. And she is not slowing down. The legendary Beninese singer has just announced her 19th studio album, “Hope!!,” arriving on 24th April 2026, and from what we already know about it, the continent has every reason to be excited.

This is a 14-track album five years in the making, dedicated to Kidjo’s late mother Yvonne, who she described as a lasting source of optimism and courage. That dedication is not just sentimental. It carries all the way through to the closing track, a version of Malaika, a song her mother loved.

The album features Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, Charlie Wilson, Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz, PJ Morton, IZA, Florent Pagny, Dadju and the Soweto Gospel Choir, alongside Nigerian acts Davido, Ayra Starr and The Cavemen. Pharrell also produced three tracks for the album in Paris.

The presence of Davido, Ayra Starr and The Cavemen on this project is worth noting. Kidjo and Davido are no strangers to each other — the two have previously collaborated on “Na Money” and “Joy.” Seeing them reunite on “Hope!!” adds another chapter to a working relationship that has already produced two songs together.

Ayra Starr in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown posing with five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, who is wearing a grey blazer and red headwrap, at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles.

Ayra Starr in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown posing with five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, who is wearing a grey blazer and red headwrap, at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

The first single, “Fall on Me,” features PJ Morton and gives an early sense of the album’s tone, shaped by themes of joy, strength and perseverance. Kidjo has said she poured her whole heart into this project, and with a feature list that bridges continents, generations and genres, it shows.

“Hope!!” follows her 2021 album “Mother Nature,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album

 

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The post Davido, Ayra Starr & The Cavemen Join Angélique Kidjo on Upcoming Album “Hope!!” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇BellaNaija Music
  • New Era Loading? Ayra Starr Teases New Music & We Are Obsessed With This Purple Look!
    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 wall
     

New Era Loading? Ayra Starr Teases New Music & We Are Obsessed With This Purple Look!

25 février 2026 à 14:13

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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The post New Era Loading? Ayra Starr Teases New Music & We Are Obsessed With This Purple Look! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Notjustok
  • Ayra Starr releases new single 'Where Do We Go'
    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, pro
     

Ayra Starr releases new single 'Where Do We Go'

6 mars 2026 à 15:16

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.

The post Ayra Starr releases new single 'Where Do We Go' appeared first on NotjustOk.

  • ✇Notjustok
  • Where Do We Go Lyrics by Ayra Starr
    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. Where Do We Go Cover Art Ayra Starr - Where Do We Go Lyrics Verse 1You come and see mePark the MercedesYou know this what you wantYou'
     

Where Do We Go Lyrics by Ayra Starr

6 mars 2026 à 06:39

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.

Cover Art for Where Do We Go by Ayra Starr
Where Do We Go Cover Art

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

The post Where Do We Go Lyrics by Ayra Starr appeared first on NotjustOk.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • New Era Loading? Ayra Starr Teases New Music & We Are Obsessed With This Purple Look!
    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 wall
     

New Era Loading? Ayra Starr Teases New Music & We Are Obsessed With This Purple Look!

25 février 2026 à 14:13

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.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Starrgirl 💜⭐ (@ayrastarr)

The post New Era Loading? Ayra Starr Teases New Music & We Are Obsessed With This Purple Look! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr Says Her Second Grammy Nomination Feels Like Reassurance
    “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 ch
     

Ayra Starr Says Her Second Grammy Nomination Feels Like Reassurance

1 février 2026 à 05:24

“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.

The post Ayra Starr Says Her Second Grammy Nomination Feels Like Reassurance appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr Is in Full 2026 Grammy Mode! See Her Stunning MusiCares & Spotify Party Looks
    Photo Credit: Renee Sanganoo/Instagram 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. Styl
     

Ayra Starr Is in Full 2026 Grammy Mode! See Her Stunning MusiCares & Spotify Party Looks

31 janvier 2026 à 17:03

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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Burna Boy, Davido, Tyla, Ayra Starr & Eddy Kenzo: Meet the 2026 Grammy Best African Music Contenders

29 janvier 2026 à 11:27

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.

The post Burna Boy, Davido, Tyla, Ayra Starr & Eddy Kenzo: Meet the 2026 Grammy Best African Music Contenders appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr, Tyla, Moliy and Shaboozey Nominated for 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards
    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 Arti
     

Ayra Starr, Tyla, Moliy and Shaboozey Nominated for 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards

9 janvier 2026 à 12:10

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:

Song of the Year:            

  • “Anxiety” – Doechii
  • “Good News” – Shaboozey
  • “Love Somebody” – Morgan Wallen
  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “MUTT” – Leon Thomas
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” – Benson Boone
  • “Stargazing” – Myles Smith
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Artist of the Year:

  • Bad Bunny
  • Benson Boone
  • Chris Brown
  • Jelly Roll
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Lady Gaga
  • Morgan Wallen
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Taylor Swift

Pop Artist of the Year:

  • Alex Warren
  • Benson Boone
  • Sabrina Carpenter
  • Tate McRae
  • Taylor Swift

Pop Song of the Year:

  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Best New Artist (Pop):

  • Alex Warren
  • Jessie Murph
  • Myles Smith
  • Ravyn Lenae
  • sombr

Duo/Group of the Year:

  • HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • Linkin Park
  • Maroon 5
  • Shinedown
  • Twenty One Pilots

Best Collaboration:

  • “All The Way” – BigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman
  • “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “Timeless” – The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti
  • “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” – GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red

Country Song of the Year:

  • “After All The Bars Are Closed” – Thomas Rhett
  • “Good News” – Shaboozey
  • “Liar” – Jelly Roll
  • “Love Somebody” – Morgan Wallen
  • “Whiskey Drink” – Jason Aldean

Country Artist of the Year:

  • Jason Aldean
  • Jelly Roll
  • Lainey Wilson
  • Luke Combs
  • Morgan Wallen

Best New Artist (Country):

  • Chase Matthew
  • Ella Langley
  • Hudson Westbrook
  • Josh Ross
  • Zach Top

Hip-Hop Song of the Year:

  • “luther” – Kendrick Lamar and SZA
  • “NOKIA” – Drake
  • “Outside” – Cardi B
  • “The Largest” – BigXthaPlug
  • “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” – GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red

Hip-Hop Artist of the Year:

  • Cardi B
  • GloRilla
  • Kendrick Lamar
  • Playboi Carti
  • Tyler, The Creator

Best New Artist (Hip-Hop):

  • MOLIY
  • PLUTO
  • Real Boston Richey
  • YKNIECE
  • ZEDDY WILL

R&B Song of the Year:

  • “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
  • “Folded” – Kehlani
  • “MUTT” – Leon Thomas
  • “Residuals” – Chris Brown
  • “SOMEBODY LOVES ME” – PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake

R&B Artist of the Year:

  • Chris Brown
  • Kehlani
  • Leon Thomas
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • SZA

Best New Artist (R&B):

  • Jenevieve
  • Kwn
  • Leon Thomas
  • Mariah the Scientist
  • Sailorr

World Artist of the Year:

  • Ayra Starr
  • Jackson Wang
  • JO1
  • MOLIY
  • Tyla

Alternative Song of the Year:

  • “Back To Friends” – sombr
  • “Ensenada” – Sublime
  • “One Eyed Bastard” – Green Day
  • “Stargazing” – Myles Smith
  • “The Contract” – Twenty One Pilots

Alternative Artist of the Year:

  • Cage the Elephant
  • Green Day
  • Linkin Park
  • Sublime
  • Twenty One Pilots

Best New Artist (Alternative):

·      almost monday

·      Gigi Perez

·      Lola Young

·      Role Model

·      sombr

Rock Song of the Year:

  • “Afterlife” – Evanescence
  • “Bad Guy” – Falling In Reverse ft. Saraya
  • “Dance, Kid, Dance” – Shinedown
  • “Even If It Kills Me” – Papa Roach
  • “Heavy Is the Crown” – Linkin Park

Rock Artist of the Year:

  • Linkin Park
  • Papa Roach
  • Shinedown
  • Sleep Token
  • Three Days Grace

Best New Artist (Rock):

  • Architects
  • Poppy
  • Return to Dust
  • Sleep Theory
  • Spiritbox

Dance Song of the Year:

  • “Blessings” – Calvin Harris feat. Clementine Douglas
  • “In My Arms” – ILLENIUM & HAYLA
  • “No Broke Boys” – Disco Lines & Tinashe
  • “Save My Love” – Marshmello, Ellie Goulding and AVAION
  • “Won’t Be Possible” – Tiësto, Odd Mob & Goodboys

Dance Artist of the Year:

  • Calvin Harris
  • David Guetta
  • John Summit
  • Martin Garrix
  • Tiësto

Latin Pop/Urban Song of the Year:

  • “Angel” – Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos
  • “DEGENERE” – Myke Towers & benny blanco
  • “DtMF” – Bad Bunny
  • “Qué Pasaría…” – Rauw Alejandro and Bad Bunny
  • “Soltera” – Shakira

Latin Pop/Urban Artist of the Year:

  • Bad Bunny
  • Feid
  • J Balvin
  • Karol G
  • Shakira

Best New Artist (Latin Pop/Urban):

  • Alleh
  • Beéle
  • De La Rose
  • Dei V
  • Louis BPM

Regional Mexican Song of the Year:

  • “Amor Bonito” – Luis Angel “El Flaco”
  • “El Amor De Mi Vida” – Calibre 50
  • “Flores” – Xavi
  • “Hecha Pa’ Mi” – Grupo Frontera
  • “Lejos Estamos Mejor” – Eden Muñoz

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year:

  • Alejandro Fernández
  • Carín León
  • Fuerza Regida
  • Grupo Frontera
  • Luis Angel “El Flaco”

Best New Artist (Regional Mexican):

  • Clave Especial
  • Edgardo Nuñez
  • Los Dos De Tamaulipas
  • Óscar Maydon
  • Oscar Ortiz

K-pop Artist of the Year:

  • JENNIE
  • j-hope
  • Jin
  • LISA
  • ROSÉ

K-pop Group of the Year:

  • ATEEZ
  • BLACKPINK
  • ENHYPEN
  • Stray Kids
  • TWICE

K-pop Song of the Year:

  • “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • “JUMP” – BLACKPINK
  • “Killin’ It Girl” – j-hope feat. GloRilla
  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE

Best New Artist (K-pop):

  • 82Major
  • AllDay Project
  • Cortis
  • Hearts2Hearts
  • Meovv

Songwriter of the Year:

  • Amy Allen
  • Ashley Gorley
  • Cal Shapiro
  • Charlie Handsome
  • Julia Michaels

Producer of the Year:

  • Andrew Watt
  • Dijon
  • Jack Antonoff
  • Max Martin & Shellback
  • Sounwave

Favorite Broadway Debut: Socially Voted Category 

  • Ashley Graham, “Chicago”
  • Cheryl Porter, “& Juliet”
  • Durrell “Tank” Babbs, “Hell’s Kitchen”
  • Gabrielle Nevaeh Green, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow”
  • Jack Wolfe, “Hadestown”
  • Kelsie Watts, “Six! The Musical”
  • Lencia Kebede, “Wicked”
  • Lizzy McAlpine, “Floyd Collins”
  • Meg Donnelly, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”
  • Ne-Yo, “Hell’s Kitchen”
  • Tom Felton, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”
  • Trisha Paytas, “Beetlejuice”

Favorite TikTok Dance: Socially Voted Category 

  • “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
  • “Gnarly” – KATSEYE
  • “GO!” – CORTIS
  • “Happen To Me” – Russell Dickerson
  • “JUMP” – BLACKPINK
  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE
  • “Midnight Sun” – Zara Larsson
  • “MONA LISA” – j-hope
  • “Revolving Door” – Tate McRae
  • “SPAGHETTI” – LE SSERAFIM, j-hope
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift

Favorite Debut Album: Socially Voted Category 

  • Addison Rae, “Addison”
  • Alex Warren, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid”
  • Audrey Hobert, “Who’s the Clown?”
  • Calum Hood, “ORDER chaos ORDER”
  • Coco Jones, “Why Not More?”
  • JADE, “THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!”
  • JENNIE, “Ruby”
  • LISA, “Alter Ego”
  • Michael Clifford, “SIDEQUEST”
  • Perrie, “Perrie”
  • sombr, “I Barely Know Her”
  • Tucker Wetmore, “What Not To”

Best Lyrics: Socially Voted Category 

  • “Anxiety” – Doechii
  • “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” – Bad Bunny
  • “Camera” – Ed Sheeran
  • “Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
  • “DAISIES” – Justin Bieber
  • “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI
  • “Man I Need” – Olivia Dean
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift
  • “undressed” – sombr
  • “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” – RAYE

Best Music Video: Socially Voted Category 

  • “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
  • “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” – Bad Bunny
  • “BORN AGAIN” – LISA feat. Doja Cat & RAYE
  • “Gabriela” – KATSEYE
  • “JUMP” – BLACKPINK
  • “like JENNIE” – JENNIE
  • “Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
  • “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
  • “Sapphire” – Ed Sheeran
  • “Shake It to the Max (FLY) (Remix)” – MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Silent Addy
  • “The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift
  • “toxic till the end” – ROSÉ

Favorite On Screen: Socially Voted Category 

  • AJ McLean, Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland, “Building the Band”
  • Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked: For Good”
  • Bad Bunny, “Happy Gilmore 2”
  • Becky G, “REBBECA”
  • Ed Sheeran, “ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran: A Musical Experience”
  • Jimin and Jungkook, “Are You Sure?!”
  • Jonas Brothers, “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie”
  • Karol G, “Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful”
  • Lady Gaga, “Wednesday”
  • LISA, “The White Lotus”
  • Taylor Swift, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour | The End of an Era”
  • Zara Larsson, “Up Close”

Favorite Tour Photographer: Socially Voted Category 

  • Abby Waisler for Gracie Abrams
  • Adam DeGross for Post Malone
  • Anna Lee for Coldplay
  • baeth for Tate McRae
  • Chris Cornejo for Shakira
  • Cynthia Parkhurst for Katy Perry
  • Henry Hwu for Billie Eilish
  • Hyghly for The Weeknd
  • Joshua Halling for Oasis
  • Rahul Bhatt for KATSEYE
  • Thomas Falcone for Shawn Mendes
  • Tom Pallant for YUNGBLUD

Favorite Soundtrack: Socially Voted Category 

  • “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (Original Soundtrack)”
  • “F1 the Album”
  • “Frankenstein (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film)”
  • “KPop Demon Hunters”
  • “Nobody Wants This Season 2: The Soundtrack”
  • “Sinners (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
  • “Smurfs Movie Soundtrack (Music From & Inspired By)”
  • “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere”
  • “Tron: Ares (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
  • “Wicked: For Good – The Soundtrack”
  • “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires (Original Soundtrack)”

Favorite Tour Style: Socially Voted Category 

  • Bad Bunny, “DeBí TiRaR MáS FOtoS World Tour”
  • Beyoncé, “Cowboy Carter Tour”
  • Billie Eilish, “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour”
  • BLACKPINK, “Deadline World Tour”
  • Dua Lipa, “Radical Optimism Tour”
  • Ella Langley, “Still Hungover Tour”
  • KATSEYE, “Beautiful Chaos Tour”
  • Lady Gaga, “The Mayhem Ball”
  • Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet Tour”
  • Tate McRae, “Miss Possessive Tour”
  • Taylor Swift, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour”
  • Zara Larsson, “Midnight Sun Tour”

Favorite Tour Tradition: Socially Voted Category 

  • Benson Boone, Cover song
  • Beyoncé, Blue Ivy & Rumi on stage
  • Billie Eilish, “when the party’s over” silent loop
  • Coldplay, Crowd cam
  • Dua Lipa, Surprise guest
  • Jonas Brothers, Surprise guest
  • KATSEYE, “Gnarly” dance break
  • Lainey Wilson, Cowgirl of the night
  • ROLE MODEL, Sally
  • Sabrina Carpenter, Celebrity “Juno” arrest
  • Tate McRae, Fan cam on stage
  • Zara Larsson, “Lush Life” star

Favorite K-pop Collab: Socially Voted Category 

  • “Blink” – Corbyn Besson & TZUYU of TWICE
  • “BORN AGAIN” – LISA feat. Doja Cat & RAYE
  • “BUCK” – Jackson Wang feat. Diljit Dosanjh
  • “Confessions” – Flo Rida, HEESEUNG & JAKE of ENHYPEN, Paul Russell
  • “Dirty Work” – aespa feat. Flo Milli
  • “ExtraL” – JENNIE, Doechii
  • “EYES CLOSED” – JISOO X ZAYN
  • “Illegal + SEVENTEEN” – PinkPantheress, SEVENTEEN
  • “On My Mind” – Alex Warren & ROSÉ
  • “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” – j-hope, Miguel
  • “TOO BAD” – G-DRAGON feat. Anderson .Paak
  • “WE PRAY (TWICE Version)” – Coldplay, TWICE, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI, Little Simz

The post Ayra Starr, Tyla, Moliy and Shaboozey Nominated for 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr Shut Down Cotonou With Her Performance and This All-White Look
    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,
     

Ayra Starr Shut Down Cotonou With Her Performance and This All-White Look

30 décembre 2025 à 17:35

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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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • 2025 MTV VMAs: Every Red Carpet Look Worth Seeing
    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 th
     

2025 MTV VMAs: Every Red Carpet Look Worth Seeing

9 septembre 2025 à 15:59

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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A post shared by SHENYENG (@shenseea)

LL Cool J

 

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A post shared by CBS (@cbstv)

Ciara

 

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Tyla

 

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A post shared by Tyla (@tyla)

Justine Skye

 

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A post shared by Justine Skye (@justineskye)

Gunna

 

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A post shared by ❕WUNNA❕🥷🏻✝ (@gunna)

GloRilla

 

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A post shared by Glo Da P (@glorillapimp)

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Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body” Video Will Make You Want to Book a Girls’ Trip Right Now

5 septembre 2025 à 18:20

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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  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr Gets the Surprise of Her Life During Capital XTRA Interview | Watch
    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 cha
     

Ayra Starr Gets the Surprise of Her Life During Capital XTRA Interview | Watch

3 septembre 2025 à 21:20

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.

The post Ayra Starr Gets the Surprise of Her Life During Capital XTRA Interview | Watch appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr Took Over Coldplay’s Stage in Miami with “Hot Body”
    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. Sh
     

Ayra Starr Took Over Coldplay’s Stage in Miami with “Hot Body”

31 juillet 2025 à 15:12

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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  • ✇Notjustok
  • Is Ayra Starr forbidden from love under Roc Nation?
    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 cla
     

Is Ayra Starr forbidden from love under Roc Nation?

28 juillet 2025 à 19:31

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.

https://twitter.com/ayrastarr/status/1949901949505265805?t=Em6tYBqjHheqvrDX-uZynw&s=19

The post Is Ayra Starr forbidden from love under Roc Nation? appeared first on NotjustOk.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body” Is Here & It’s the Ultimate Feel-Good Party Track
    Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram 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 Starr’s “Hot Body” Is Here & It’s the Ultimate Feel-Good Party Track

25 juillet 2025 à 08:56

Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

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

The post Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body” Is Here & It’s the Ultimate Feel-Good Party Track appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

  • ✇Music – BellaNaija
  • Ayra Starr Joins Coldplay On Stage, Serving Looks from Fishnets to Cowboy Hats
    Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram 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 r
     

Ayra Starr Joins Coldplay On Stage, Serving Looks from Fishnets to Cowboy Hats

10 juillet 2025 à 12:11

Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

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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The post Ayra Starr Joins Coldplay On Stage, Serving Looks from Fishnets to Cowboy Hats appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

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