Article Was Last Updated August 26, 2026
Ayra Starr biography centres on Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, the Nigerian singer, songwriter and model born on 14 June 2002 in Cotonou, Benin. She began posting song covers on Instagram in 2019 before uploading her original song “Damage”, which caught the attention of Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy. She signed with Mavin Records and released her self-titled debut EP in January 2021.
Her first studio album, 19 & Dangerous, followed in August 2021 and produced songs such as “Bloody Samaritan” and “Away”. She released her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21, in May 2024, with songs including “Commas”, “Rhythm & Blues” and “Last Heartbreak Song”. “Rush” earned her first Grammy nomination at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Ayra Starr turned 24 on 14 June 2026. She has received two Grammy nominations, including a 2026 nomination for “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid in the Best African Music Performance category.
Her career began with modelling and online music performances before she joined Mavin Records. Her discography includes one EP, two released studio albums and the upcoming Starr Girl, scheduled for 14 August 2026.
Ayra Starr Biography
| Fact | Details |
| Full name | Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe |
| Stage name | Ayra Starr |
| Date of birth | 14 June 2002 |
| Age | 24 |
| Birthplace | Cotonou, Benin |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter and model |
| Record label | Mavin Records |
| University | Les Cours Sonou University |
| Course | International Relations and Political Science |
| Debut EP | Ayra Starr |
| First studio album | 19 & Dangerous |
| Second studio album | The Year I Turned 21 |
| Third studio album | Starr Girl |
| Grammy nominations | 2 |
| Grammy wins | 0 |
| First Grammy-nominated song | “Rush” |
| Second Grammy-nominated song | “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid |
| Upcoming album | Starr Girl, scheduled for 14 August 2026 |
Ayra Starr Real Name, Age, Birthday and Birthplace
Her real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe. She was born on 14 June 2002 in Cotonou, Benin, and turned 24 on 14 June 2026. Mavin Records identifies Cotonou as her birthplace and says she grew up between Cotonou and Lagos.
She was born to Nigerian parents with roots in Kwara State. Her family moved between cities during her childhood because of her father’s business, and accounts of her upbringing also mention Abuja.
Ayra Starr began singing in a school choir at about 10 years old and wrote songs with her older brother, Dami, who is a guitarist and songwriter. Her early musical influences included 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Angélique Kidjo, the Lijadu Sisters and Tope Alabi.
Ayra Starr Parents, Siblings and Education
Ayra Starr is the second of five children. Her mother was a singer and encouraged her interest in music, while her father encouraged her to complete her education before pursuing music as a full-time career.
Her father later died, after which Ayra Starr and her siblings were raised by their mother. She has spoken about the effect of his death and has described Don Jazzy as another father figure in her life.
Ayra Starr attended Les Cours Sonou University in Cotonou, where she studied International Relations and Political Science and earned a bachelor’s degree.
She grew up speaking Yoruba, English, French and Nigerian Pidgin. Her childhood involved time in Cotonou, Lagos and Abuja, while her family maintained Nigerian roots in Kwara State.
Ayra Starr Modelling and Music Career
Ayra Starr entered the modelling industry before signing a record deal. In 2018, she signed with Quove Models in Lagos and worked as a model while developing her music. She later appeared in Eri Ife’s “Dear Future Wife” music video.
In 2019, she began posting song covers on Instagram, including songs by Andra Day and 2Face Idibia. She also uploaded original music, including “Damage”, which attracted Don Jazzy’s attention.
She recorded at Mavin Studios in Lagos in 2020, working with Don Jazzy and producer Louddaaa. Those sessions led to her first project with Mavin Records.
The five-track Ayra Starr EP was released on 22 January 2021. Its songs included “Away”, “Ija”, “DITR”, “Sare” and “Memories”. “Away” reached No. 4 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and No. 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart.
Her first studio album, 19 & Dangerous, arrived on 6 August 2021. The album included “Bloody Samaritan”, which reached No. 1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and made Ayra Starr the first female solo artist to top the chart.
The album received a deluxe edition in October 2022, adding tracks and collaborations including “Ase”, “Bloody Samaritan” featuring Kelly Rowland, “Lonely Refix” featuring Zinoleesky, “Running” featuring Lojay and “Skinny Girl Anthem” featuring Kayykilo.
“Rush”, released in September 2022, reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and earned Ayra Starr her first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Ayra Starr Songs, EPs and Albums
Ayra Starr’s discography includes the Ayra Starr EP, 19 & Dangerous, 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe) and The Year I Turned 21. Her major songs include “Away”, “Bloody Samaritan”, “Rush”, “Sability”, “Commas”, “Rhythm & Blues”, “Last Heartbreak Song” and “Gimme Dat”.
Ayra Starr EP
Mavin Records released the self-titled Ayra Starr EP on 22 January 2021. It contains five tracks: “Away”, “Ija”, “DITR”, “Sare” and “Memories”.
“Away” became the project’s biggest early success, reaching No. 4 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and No. 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. The EP also reached No. 1 on the Nigerian iTunes chart after its release.
19 & Dangerous
Ayra Starr released 19 & Dangerous on 6 August 2021 as her first studio album. The project includes “Bloody Samaritan”, “Away”, “Fashion Killer” and “Cast” among its tracks.
“Bloody Samaritan” reached No. 1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50, making Ayra Starr the first female solo artist to top the chart.
The album’s deluxe edition was released on 21 October 2022. It added songs and collaborations including “Ase”, “Bloody Samaritan” featuring Kelly Rowland, “Lonely Refix” featuring Zinoleesky, “Running” featuring Lojay and “Skinny Girl Anthem” featuring Kayykilo.
“Rush” was also included on the deluxe edition. Released in September 2022, the song reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and earned Ayra Starr her first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
The Year I Turned 21
Ayra Starr released The Year I Turned 21 on 31 May 2024. The album contains songs including “Birds Sing of Money”, “Goodbye (Warm Up)” featuring Asake, “Commas”, “Woman Commando” featuring Anitta and Coco Jones, “Control”, “Lagos Love Story”, “Rhythm & Blues”, “21”, “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon, “Bad Vibes” featuring Seyi Vibez, “Orun”, “Jazzy’s Song”, “1942” featuring Milar and “The Kids Are Alright”. The bonus track “Santa” features Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro.
“Commas” became one of the album’s biggest songs. It reached No. 1 on the Official Afrobeats Chart and spent five weeks at the top, while also entering the UK Singles Chart.
“Last Heartbreak Song” features Giveon, while “Woman Commando” features Anitta and Coco Jones. “The Kids Are Alright” includes voice recordings from members of Ayra Starr’s family and refers to the death of her father.
Ayra Starr Popular Songs
Among the most recognised Ayra Starr songs are:
- Away
- Bloody Samaritan
- Rush
- Sability
- Commas
- Rhythm & Blues
- Last Heartbreak Song
- Woman Commando
- Bad Vibes
- The Kids Are Alright
- Gimme Dat
- Who’s Dat Girl
- Tornado
- Where Do We Go
Her collaborations include music with Wizkid, Giveon, Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, Kelly Rowland, Zinoleesky, Lojay, Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro and Rema.
Ayra Starr Albums and EPs
| Project | Release date | Type |
| Ayra Starr | 22 January 2021 | EP |
| 19 & Dangerous | 6 August 2021 | Studio album |
| 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe) | 21 October 2022 | Deluxe edition |
| The Year I Turned 21 | 31 May 2024 | Studio album |
| Starr Girl | 14 August 2026 | Upcoming studio album |
Ayra Starr New Album 2026: Starr Girl Release Date, Songs and Features
Starr Girl is Ayra Starr’s third studio album and is scheduled for release on 14 August 2026.
The project contains 16 tracks and includes collaborations with Wizkid, Zayn Malik, Rema, Leon Thomas, Ken, Theodora, Danny Ocean and FOLA. Wizkid features on “Gimme Dat”, while Rema features on “Who’s Dat Girl”.
“Where Do We Go” was released on 6 March 2026, followed by “Tornado” in June. Both songs are included on the Starr Girl tracklist.
“Gimme Dat” earned Ayra Starr and Wizkid a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Tyla won the category with “PUSH 2 START”.
Ayra Starr performed “Ms. Paper”, “Tornado” and “Rush” during the Today show’s Citi Summer Concert Series in New York on 7 August 2026.
She also held a listening event in New York ahead of the album’s release. Her official store has listed signed CD and vinyl editions for pre-order ahead of the 14 August 2026 release date.
Starr Girl remains an upcoming album until its scheduled release date.
Ayra Starr Awards and Grammy Nominations
Ayra Starr has received two Grammy nominations, three MOBO Awards and one BET Award. The Recording Academy lists her with two Grammy nominations and no wins. Her nominations came for “Rush” at the 2024 Grammy Awards and “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid at the 2026 Grammy Awards, both in the Best African Music Performance category.
“Rush” received the nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. “Gimme Dat” received the second nomination at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in 2026. Tyla won Best African Music Performance in 2026 with “PUSH 2 START”.
At the 2025 MOBO Awards, Ayra Starr won Best African Music Act and Best International Act. She became the first African female artist to win Best International Act at the ceremony.
At the 2026 MOBO Awards, she won Best International Act for the second consecutive year. She was also nominated for Best African Music Act, which went to Wizkid.
Ayra Starr won Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards. The official BET winners list names her as the winner ahead of nominees including Rema, Tyla, Black Sherif, Uncle Waffles and others.
Ayra Starr Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
| 2022 | The Headies | Viewer’s Choice | “Bloody Samaritan” | Won |
| 2024 | Grammy Awards | Best African Music Performance | “Rush” | Nominated |
| 2024 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Ayra Starr | Nominated |
| 2024 | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Afrobeats | “Last Heartbreak Song” featuring Giveon | Nominated |
| 2025 | MOBO Awards | Best African Music Act | Ayra Starr | Won |
| 2025 | MOBO Awards | Best International Act | Ayra Starr | Won |
| 2025 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Ayra Starr | Won |
| 2026 | Grammy Awards | Best African Music Performance | “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid | Nominated |
| 2026 | MOBO Awards | Best International Act | Ayra Starr | Won |
| 2026 | MOBO Awards | Best African Music Act | Ayra Starr | Nominated |
She has two Grammy nominations without a Grammy win, three MOBO Awards and one BET Award.
Ayra Starr Net Worth and Sources of Income
Ayra Starr’s net worth is estimated at $500,000 to $1 million by some Nigerian entertainment websites, although other online estimates place it higher.
Her main income sources include music, streaming royalties, live performances, songwriting, modelling and brand partnerships.
Ayra Starr Music and Streaming Income
Ayra Starr earns from her recorded music and digital streams, including songs such as “Rush”, “Bloody Samaritan”, “Sability”, “Commas” and “Away”.
Her YouTube channel had about 3.29 million subscribers in August 2026, according to HypeAuditor. The channel has generated more than 1.3 billion views, while third-party platforms publish varying estimates for its advertising revenue. These estimates do not represent Ayra Starr’s confirmed earnings.
Her music income can also involve record-label, distributor, publisher, songwriter and other rights arrangements. The amount she receives from each stream therefore depends on the applicable contracts and rights attached to each recording and composition.
Concert and Performance Income
Ayra Starr earns from concerts, festivals and other live performances. Her individual performance fees have not been consistently disclosed.
She performed “Ms. Paper”, “Tornado” and “Rush” during the Today show’s Citi Summer Concert Series in New York on 7 August 2026.
Endorsement Deals
Brand partnerships form another part of Ayra Starr’s commercial career. Business of Fashion lists her campaigns and ambassadorships with Maybelline New York, New Balance, Pepsi and L’Avyanna Skin.
Her known brand partnerships include:
- Pepsi Nigeria — brand ambassador from 2021.
- L’Avyanna Skin — partnership announced in 2022.
- Darling Nigeria — partnership announced in 2022.
- Maybelline New York — spokesperson for sub-Saharan Africa from 2023.
- JD Sports — campaign partnership in 2023.
- Infinix Mobile — ambassador for the HOT Series from 2024.
- New Balance — campaign partnership announced in 2025.
The financial terms of these individual deals are unknown.
There is no confirmed figure for Ayra Starr’s monthly or annual income. Her earnings vary according to music releases, streaming activity, performances, songwriting rights, modelling work and commercial partnerships.
Net Worth in Naira
The naira value of Ayra Starr’s estimated net worth depends on the USD/NGN exchange rate used. A dollar estimate of $500,000 to $1 million will produce different naira amounts as the exchange rate changes.
Ayra Starr Boyfriend, Relationship, Marriage and Rema Rumours
Ayra Starr is not married and has not identified a current boyfriend. In 2026, she revealed that “Where Do We Go” was inspired by a secret relationship she had kept private.
During an interview on Way Up with Angela Yee, Ayra Starr said the relationship was a private situationship known only to her and the man involved. She said her friends advised her to end it, but she continued because she had developed feelings for him.
She also discussed her dating history in a May 2026 interview, saying she avoided relationships in high school. Ayra described the relationship behind “Where Do We Go” as a private experience.
