Here are 23 interesting facts about Ayra Starr you probably didn’t know.

Afrobeats’ golden girl, Ayra Starr, turned 23 on June 14, 2025, and while fans worldwide celebrated her new age, many are still curious about the woman behind the voice.

Since breaking out with her self-titled EP under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records in 2021, the Rush hitmaker has become a global sensation, with chart-topping singles, viral anthems, and a distinct Gen Z appeal.

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In celebration of her 23rd birthday, here are 23 intriguing facts about Ayra Starr you probably didn’t know:

1. BET Award winner (June 2025)

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In early June 2025, Ayra Starr made history by clinching the Best International Act award at the BET Awards. This accolade which was a major highlight of the evening, recognizes outstanding non‑American artists, and her win confirmed her status among the world's top global musicians. It marked a major milestone for Nigerian and African women in music, demonstrating her ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established global stars.

2. Double victory at the 2025 MOBO Awards

Celebrating African music at its finest! Big congrats to @ayrastarr , winner of Best African Music Act. A well-deserved recognition for an artist making waves across the continent and beyond! #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/dynMpf8syI

— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 18, 2025

In February 2025, she had two major MOBO wins in Newcastle, Best African Music Act and Best International Act, the former being particularly notable because no female had won it in 16 years.

A superstar lighting up the global stage! Congratulations to @ayrastarr, winner of Best International Act #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/NxEE8vL1XT

— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 18, 2025

This sweep defied expectations and cemented her reputation as a trailblazer, earned through both technical skill and cultural appeal. It also reflected growing recognition of female artists in Afrobeats on the world stage.

3. Gimme Dat collab with Wizkid

Her 2025 single Gimme Dat, featuring Wizkid, cleverly samples the classic Mary J. Blige & Wyclef Jean track 911. In Nigeria, the song peaked at No. 3, and it also climbed into the top 10 of the Billboard US Afrobeats chart. The collaboration showcased her ability to blend nostalgia with modern flair while solidifying her position as a key player in the genre’s new guard.

4. Spotify’s Nigerian impact campaign

Ayra Starr has made history as the first female to win Best African Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, a feat unmatched by any woman in 16 years. Globally, she led Spotify’s Nigeria Global Impact List 2025 with six top 30 songs, including "Santa" at , showcasing her unique dominance as… pic.twitter.com/7ov6PuKYLK

— Grok (@grok) April 3, 2025

In early 2025, Ayra dropped tracks from her album The Year I Turned 21, landing six of them in Spotify’s “Nigeria Global Impact” Top 30. This Spotify metric measures music that’s resonating worldwide through Nigerian listeners. It proves she can pack a punch with more than one hit, inspiring an entire playlist of hits that audiences around the world are streaming hard.

5. Rush conquers the UK

Ayra Starr's "Rush" has now been certified platinum in the UK

— It becomes her 1ST song to achieve this milestone in the region pic.twitter.com/ogXCRmRXqT

— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 (@AlbumTalksHQ) May 2, 2025

Rush, her seminal hit, peaked at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and gained significant traction across multiple European territories. In May, 2025, Rush became certified platinum in the UK. It became her first song to achieve this milestone in the region. The success reflects how her music and Afrobeats more broadly, is crossing into Western mainstream airwaves. It also confirms that her sound resonates with diverse audiences, not just Afrobeats fans.

6. Grammy nod for Rush (2023)

Ayra Starr's song, Rush is now being considered for a Grammy pic.twitter.com/mCWsQvRL1r

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) October 11, 2023

In 2023, Rush earned a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. Although she didn’t win, the nomination alone boosted her international visibility and flagged her as one of Afrobeats’ most formidable young voices.

7. 100 Million YouTube views by age 18

Happy 23rd birthday, Ayra Starr

⁃First Nigerian female artiste to surpass 400 million views on YouTube.

⁃First Nigerian female artiste to debut an album on the Billboard Albums 200 chart.

⁃First project by a Nigerian female artiste to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify.… pic.twitter.com/KOWPHIoyxi

— TXT (@txt_mag) June 14, 2025

By early 2021, at just 18 years old, Ayra became the youngest Nigerian female artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube, powered mainly by the viral success of Rush. Also, she became the first Nigerian female artiste to surpass 400 million views on YouTube. Her meteoric rise not only showcased her generation's power to go global via digital platforms but also marked her as a phenomenon in a single click.

8. A genre-blending trailblazer

JUST IN:

Ayra Starr announces debut studio album “19 & Dangerous”, out AUGUST 6. pic.twitter.com/Hg91XHY7mK

— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 (@AlbumTalksHQ) July 18, 2021

Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous (2021), was a masterclass in genre fluidity, melding Afropop, R&B, alté, trap, neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. The creative melding helped carve out her distinctive sound: a refreshing fusion that resists easy categorization but appeals to music lovers across styles.

9. Paris Fashion Week favorite

Ayra Starr walks the runway at the Dipetsa London Fashion week Eventpic.twitter.com/D6Z3P1K0mY

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) February 22, 2025

At the Balmain FW24 show in Paris, Ayra stunned in a latex cut-out look, an appearance that instantly went viral in fashion circles. Her ability to seamlessly step into couture-runway spaces reinforced her dual status as both a music star and a fearless fashion icon.

10. Educated & multilingual

Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, she holds a degree in International Relations from Les Cours Sonou University. Growing up between Nigeria and Benin educated her in English, Yoruba, and French, further connecting her with diverse West African audiences.

11. From model to chart-star

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Before her rise in music, Ayra was signed to Quove Models in Lagos, featuring in brand campaigns and magazine spreads. Her early modeling built her comfort in the spotlight, and that experience carries through her confident stage presence and visuals.

12. Her name means 'woke'

She defines Ayra rooted in Arabic as meaning "woke" or "eye‑opening," reflecting her mission to uplift and empower listeners. It’s a name that perfectly aligns with her music's themes of growth, self-discovery, and authenticity.

13. Faith underpins her art

Despite her bold style, Ayra describes herself as deeply spiritual and references her Christian faith in interviews. This balance between personal belief and artistic expression deepens her appeal, conveying sincerity beyond the glamor.

14. Writes her own music

Hits like Away, Rush, and Bloody Samaritan are penned by Ayra herself, evidence of her creative control and authenticity as an artist. Her writing reinforces that she’s not just a performer but a storyteller.

15. TikTok-fueled viral sensation

Thanks to TikTok, Rush exploded into global consciousness. TikTok users turned her song’s catchy hook into a viral dance moment. The buzz propelled her music past 100 million YouTube views and earned her pop undeniable recognition.

16. Mostly vegetarian lifestyle

Ayra has shared her preference for a plant-based diet, reflecting her commitment to health, eco-conscious living, and self-care. It’s a reminder of her off-stage poise behind the energy of her performances.

17. Proud anime fan

She’s an anime nerd at heart, frequently praising Naruto and Attack on Titan in interviews. The unexpected detail illustrates her pop culture depth and reveals interests beyond typical celebrity talk.

18. Billboard 200 alumna

JUST IN

Ayra Starr makes HISTORY as she becomes the first Nigerian female artist to debut an album on the Billboard Albums 200 chart.

“The Year I Turned 21” lands at #195. pic.twitter.com/bzgXvarURl

— WeTalkSound (WTS) (@wetalksound) June 10, 2024

Her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 not only debuted at No. 1 in Nigeria but also earned a spot on the Billboard 200, making her the first Nigerian woman to land in that ranking. It’s another testament to her rising global influence.

19. A fashion statement maker

Ayra Starr for Coperni RTW Spring 2025 in Disneyland for Paris Fashion Week. pic.twitter.com/gaf7LYE07k

— 𝑨𝒚𝒓𝒂 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒓 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 (@ayracharts) October 2, 2024

Of all the facts about Ayra Starr, this is the most obvious. From couture to streetwear, Ayra consistently delivers bold, boundary-pushing looks. Whether styled in vintage glam or edgy streetwear, she’s fast becoming one of Africa’s most influential style leaders.

20. Champion for LGBTQ+ rights

Grammy nominated icon Ayra Starr has donated $1.5 million to the LGBTQ+ community.

“I need more sabi gays abeg” said the star in a recent interview pic.twitter.com/qFh6Ao6fwc

— Starr ✭ (@AyrasStarr) June 13, 2025

Ayra’s expressed visible support for LGBTQ+ communities, advocating love, inclusion, and self-expression through her public platforms. In culturally conservative spaces, her stance fuels positive social change.

21. Manifestation advocate

She often credits “manifesting greatness” for guiding her trajectory, believing in affirmations and positive thinking. Her mindset reflects Gen Z’s alignment with spiritual wellness and personal growth as pathways to success.

22. Featured on ‘Creed III’ soundtrack

A reminder that Ayra Starr featured in these two big movie soundtracks in 2023

Creed III & Spiderman: Across the Spider verse

Superstar pic.twitter.com/MZA8oMWakq

— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) May 4, 2025

In 2023, she appeared on the Creed III soundtrack, placing her voice alongside major international artists. Her inclusion speaks to her crossover appeal and growing rapport within film and music industries.

23. Headlined a world tour in 2024

It’s my first headline tourrrrr !!! I’ve been touring around the world , opening for other artists , opening stages at festivals , Now it’s an Ayra Starr show ! ! Pre sale tickets are live tomorrow , CODE : (MOBSTARRS)! Tickets go live on fridayyy! Link in my sexy… pic.twitter.com/D02lLn4aw3

— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) July 12, 2023

Her 21: The World Tour spanned North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, taking her message to fans across continents. The tour showcased her stage energy, global reach, and status as a next-gen Afrobeats heavyweight.

Lastly, of all the facts about Ayra Starr, it is evident that at just 23, she isn’t just observing music culture, she’s shaping it. From awards and viral hits to fashion and activism, her story embodies what it means to build a modern musical empire rooted in purpose and global outlook.

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Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has weighed in on the controversy stirred by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) over comments about Afrobeats superstars Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.

The drama unfolded after the three music heavyweights recently splurged on luxury cars, including Burna Boy’s N3.2 billion McLaren, prompting VDM, real name Vincent Martins Otse, to criticize them in a viral video. In the clip, VDM accused the artists of neglecting ordinary Nigerians and not using their wealth to support the people.

Reacting to the claims, Portable took to social media to defend the trio, questioning VDM’s credibility and motives. The controversial Zazoo crooner recalled personal experiences, revealing that Burna Boy once gave him N20 million and Davido had publicly donated large sums to charity in the past.

Portable also took shots at VDM, asking how funds reportedly donated to his NGO, including N100 million allegedly from Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy, were spent. He challenged the activist to show evidence of projects like schools or housing initiatives funded with the donations.

In a fiery video, Portable reminded VeryDarkMan of his humble beginnings, calling out what he described as hypocrisy. “People should be free to spend their money as they wish,” Portable stated, adding that no amount given out will ever satisfy everyone.

The singer ended his response by cautioning VDM against overstepping his boundaries and targeting respected figures in the entertainment industry, insisting that the critic should focus on meaningful issues.

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Kehinde Alabi, better known as Louddaaa, interned as a sound engineer in Port Harcourt before moving to Lagos about five years ago. He started seeking employment as a sound engineer since it seemed production didn't make sense — he hadn't produced in over a year as production jobs weren't readily available. He submitted his CVs to studios, companies, and radio stations, but "they all rejected me," Louddaaa recalls in a recent Zoom conversation with OkayAfrica.

A friend would send him a vacancy post that turned out to be Mavin Records. "Are these people trying to scam me or something?" he remembers thinking, but he sent his credentials and got the job after a series of interviews. "It was a miracle," he says, "and I told myself I would be the best recording engineer ever because it felt like a second chance for me. I had hope again."

The journey to becoming a producer was even more interesting, relates Louddaaa. He selected beats and recorded the Mavin Records artists, but stayed back after every session to arrange beats. Due to his residence being on the Mainland, going to the other side of Lagos was stressful each evening. While making beats one night, Don Jazzy entered the studio and heard something he was making. "Can we try Ayra [Starr] on this?" the don asked, and soon enough, Louddaaa got locked in with the newly minted star, whose debut EP and album he would significantly influence.

Still, Louddaaa was unconvinced he was a producer. Sometimes, he flunked the producer sessions he was booked for since he didn't think he could replicate the genius of Ayra Starr's songs. "Working with her was different; we had a deep connection," he would explain. "It was easy; there was no tension. We simply exchanged ideas. They were ideas that took us six months to create; now you want me to create a beat on the spot?"

"It took a while for me to start playing that role of a producer," he says, "because I kept telling myself: 'I don't know why they love this thing that I'm doing. What do they like? This is not really making sense to me.' I wasn't sure about myself. It took me a while to say, 'Bro, it's happening already. They like this."

Since those days of uncertainty, Louddaaa has imprinted his sound more visibly on the colorful skies of contemporary Afrobeats. Shining with a deeply personal energy, the mellow and measured quality of Louddaaa's sound has shaped the early careers of new-age Mavin artists, from Magixx to Bayanni and Boy Spyce. This isn't a mere coincidence, he tells OkayAfrica. "Whenever I want to work with an artist, the first thing I do is try to engage them," he says. "I have a conversation with them and understand where they are. Then I try to create a sound based on all the information I have that I think is unique to your story."

He applied the same approach with Davido, collaborating on two tracks for his recent album, 5IVE. Louddaaa had tried connecting with the star in 2021 and subsequent years, but nothing came out of those efforts. Then, in February of last year, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit — Louddaaa is a firm believer — to create music for Davido, which he collaborated on with his friend, Dayo Grey.

"I was very intentional," he says. "I listen to David a lot, and I have an idea of where he is based on all the songs and features he has done in the past. I also have an idea of where he should be in terms of music, and I just put all those things together."

They made 'Anything,' which stands out as an exceptional high point even among an album characterized by its triumphant moments. Davido had committed to recording the track, and Louddaaa still had many ideas to explore. He wanted something vintage for Davido, a beat with the rustic qualities of the classic "Aye," whose chorus he enthusiastically sings. "I told him, let's go back to that old David," he explains. "Let's create a 2024 record that has an element of the old David but still feels good for this age that we're in. That's how we made '10 Kilo,' I sent it to my songwriter friend, and he came up with some ideas, the melodies, and everything."

Louddaaa orchestrated the record. "I remember when I first sent the beat for 'Anything' to my songwriter, the first thing they wrote, I was like 'nah, this is not it,' because I had an idea what I wanted him to sound like: a Davido and Louddaaa song," he attests. "Everything that you guys hear now, to the glory of God, was something that I envisioned. In terms of the writing, production, and everything, we tried different ideas."

It's clear that Louddaaa isn't just another producer — he's a designer of entire soundscapes. "I call myself an 'A&R' in quotes," he says, "not an official A&R, but I have this ear to design a sound that is unique for an artist." More artists now want the sauce; between last year and now, his roster includes the likes of Lojay, Chike, Black Sherif, and Simi, whose latest album featured nine tracks from Louddaaa. Most of these artists share a soulful core; Louddaaa says the inspiration pulls both ways.

"It's from my end, first of all," he says. "My sound is born from my life experiences. I've gone through so many dark things in my life that I can't even go into details right now. My life is a rollercoaster. Growing up, music was like a coping mechanism for me. It was what I used to bury most of the things I was dealing with as a child and as a teenager. Every time I make music, I connect it to one of those things. I'm saying something, but it's with music. One of my biggest testimonies is when people listen to my music, they tell me they love it, it's so soulful, it's so emotional. And I'm like, 'Thank you, Jesus.' Because that was my goal — I want you to feel something."