Ayra Starr Biography
| NAME | SARAH OYIANKANSOLA ADERIBIGBE |
| AGE | 23 |
| GENDER | FEMALE |
| OCCUPATION | NIGERIAN ARTIST |
Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, professionally known as Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, born in 2002.
She achieved mainstream international recognition in 2022 with the release of her song “Rush,” which charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24.
It earned Starr a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
In early 2021, Ayra Starr began her career with the release of her debut EP Ayra Starr and its lead single “Away”, which spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s Turntable Top 50 chart, also peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, followed by the release of her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous in the same year.
Her music is mainly categorized as Afropop and R&B, and the work received favourable critical reception and spawned top-40 hits in Nigeria.
The lead single “Bloody Samaritan” peaked at the Top 50 chart, becoming the first solo song by a female artist to reach the position, and in August the same year, Starr was ranked number three on Billboard’s Next Big Sound.
In 2024, she released her second album, ‘The Year I Turned 21.’
Early Life, Family and Education
Ayra was born on 14 June 2002 and raised in Cotonou, Benin. She is of the Yoruba heritage, and both parents are from Kwara State.
Growing up in a multilingual home, she learned Yoruba, acquired French proficiency, and is also fluent in English and Nigerian Pidgin, which she often incorporates into her work.
Ayra is the second-born of five children, and a sister to Dami, Ade, Tolulope, and Jesutunmise.
Music was integral to family life, and her mother, a former singer, and Dami were formative influences, as Dami is a producer and a guitarist.
Also Read: David Munyua: Kenyan Veterinarian Who Made History in Global Darts Stage
At age ten, she joined the school choir and began writing songs with Dami, under the guidance of their mother and aunt. The siblings also formed a band and regularly entered local music competitions.
She attended Les Cours Sonou University in Cotonou and received A BA degree in International Relations and Political Science.
Career and Achievements
Ayra was originally a fashion model and began posting song covers on Instagram at 16. Record executive Don Jazzy discovered her in late 2019 after she posted an original song titled “Damage.”
Record Labels – She is signed to Mavin Records in Nigeria and recently entered a strategic partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for global representation.
Awards – In February 2025, she became the first woman in 16 years to win the MOBO Award for Best African Music Act and won Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards.
Grammy Nominations – Ayra received her first Grammy nomination for “Best African Music Performance” in 2024 for her hit song “Rush”.
In 2025, she acquired more titles for multiple categories, including Best New Artist and Record of the Year.
Her notable projects include her debut EP Ayra Starr, released in 2021, her debut album 19 & Dangerous, also released in 2021, and her sophomore album ‘The Year I Turned 21’ that she released in 2024.
Her most famous tracks include “Rush,” “Bloody Samaritan,” “Sability,” “Away,” and her 2024 hit ‘Commas’.
Also Read: How Nontokozo Mkhize Became the New Queen of South African Streaming
Often referred to as the Sabi Girl, in 2025 she made her runway debut at London Fashion Week, closing the show for Di Petsa’s Autumn/Winter collection in New York.
In October 2025, she was named to the BoF 500, a list of the most influential people shaping the global fashion industry.
Net Worth
While net worth figures for private individuals are scarce, her financial growth in 2025 has been explosive due to high-profile endorsements.
She is currently a major global face for several blue-chip brands.
In February 2025, she signed a significant endorsement deal with New Balance alongside Jaden Smith. She also continues her role as a global ambassador for Maybelline New York and has partnerships with Pepsi, Infinix Mobile, and JD Sports.
She is signed to a strategic partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for global management, while remaining with Mavin Records.
She reportedly owns a house in Lagos and a luxury car collection, including a Mercedes-Benz G 63.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
