Arya Starr was deliberate about becoming a superstar. From a young age, she reminded herself about it and when she got the opportunity, she took it. She was daring enough to title her first album, “19 & Dangerous”, a warning for her audience to “watch the space”. Starr is living up to these expectations. She is a global phenomenon and is already lining up for international awards. Let’s roll back the story and find out the back story.
Who is Ayra Starr?
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, was born in Cotonou, Benin, on 14 June 2022. She has four siblings, two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutumise Aderibigbe and brothers Ade and Dami Aderibigbe.
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Growing up, Starr lived in different areas with her family. However, she didn’t enjoy the constant movement. When her mother told her they were moving to Lagos, Nigeria, she was angry. However, her mother assured her it would be beneficial to her because it would enable her to pursue music.
With that, the singer took the move positively. Furthermore, growing up in different environments meant she learnt how to be adaptable and is now a positive thing for her career. She tells Teen Vogue more:
“Different people from different generations can listen to me because I grew up around different places and I learned to adapt,” she says. “I learned to adapt my mindset, way of life, and accent sometimes. I feel you can hear that in the music.”
Apart from her music career, Ayra Starr graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and political science from Les Cours Sonou University in Benin.
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Ayra Starr’s Career Start
Although many people know her because of her music, Ayra began as a fashion model. In 2018, she was signed at Quove Models agency in Lagos. Alongside this, Starr spent some of her time making music covers. Later, she wrote her song and posted it online. It garnered many views and even got in front of music executives.
Mavin Records founder Donn Jazzy saw her song and sent her a direct message, as he explained to Teen Vogue:
“I first saw a video of her singing one of her original songs on Instagram. Her voice was so powerful, yet she looked so young. Immediately, I knew I would like to work with her. I sent her a direct message inviting her to our studio with a guardian.”
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Ayra Starr’s Career Take Off
Three days after this, Arya Starr signed for Marven Records. The songstress is now one of the most famous voices from the continent. Some of her songs include:
- Santa
- Rush
- Last Heartbreak
- Bad Vibes
- Sugar
Her song Rush is the most streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify and the first to get more than 100 million YouTube views. Additionally, Ayra Starr went on her first headlining tour in 2023, 21: The World Tour, in North America, Australia, Africa and Europe.
As far as collaborations go, Ayra Starr has worked with artists like Wizkid, Ninho and pop star Rihanna has expressed a desire to work with her.
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How She Got Her Name Ayra Starr
It’s always interesting to find out how artists get their stage names. Before she became famous, Ayra Starr went by the name Oyin, the short form for her name, Oyinkansola, meaning honey. She wanted to settle for this, but her record label had different ideas.
As such, she wanted to choose a name that had a meaning. They suggested Ira, but then she googled the name Ayra. Ayra means someone respected and open-minded, and she settled for it.
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Ayra Starr’s Net Worth
Ayra Starr is a rising star in the music industry. As of 2024, sources like Kahawa Tungu estimate she is worth $1 million. With her rising status, she is bound to make more money through different pursuits – brand endorsements.
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Ayra Starr’s Awards & Nominations
The Nigerian singer has received several nominations and awards, including:
- 2022: Breakout Artist of the Year – Herself
- 2022: Headies Viewers Choice – Bloody Samaritan
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Nominations
- 2024: Best African Music Performance – Rush – Grammy Awards
- 2023: Best International Act – Herself – BET Awards
- 2022: Best New International Act – BET Awards
- 2021: Most Played R&B Song – Away – Net Honors
- 2021: Best African Music Act – Herself – Mobo Awards
- 2021: Best Newcomer – Herself – African Muzik Magazine Awards
- 2021: Best New Artist – Herself – African Entertainment Awards USA
Arya Starr is living her dream. However, she is still young and has more time to become an even bigger celebrity. Her versatility in music, and modelling is key in helping her to leverage her brand to improve her earnings. Which of Ayra Starr’s songs do you enjoy listening to?
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