On the possibility of Afrobeats getting watered down and losing its originality due to international collaborations and its rising global appeal, the Nigerian international sensation, Ayra Starr has opined that as as long as Afrobeats artists stick together and continue propelling the music, the genre will continue to thrive.

According to her, people want to put negativity on Afrobeats because it has become so mainstream, adding that it is not fair at all.

“The generations of African artists who worked to this extent for people like me to be able to be global with this sound worked for this. The genre’s not being diluted, it’s becoming mainstream. People are going to want to try things and do their versions of things.
“The key is that when we stick together as Afrobeats artists and continue with our sound; it can never be diluted. Nobody is ever going to be able to do it like us. That’s just the truth and it’s a beautiful thing to see and lovely to hear.”
Ayra Starr

On how she has been able to curate a distinctive sound in the Afrobeats space, Ayra Starr credits this to her unique voice and her eagerness to push her sonic boundaries

“It’s my voice. I’ve opened myself up to so many possibilities when it comes to sound because I don’t like to hold myself in a box. I’m a very proud Afrobeats artist, but I am in different spaces and different genres, from the Spanish word David Guetta dance music, one thing that has been very consistent in every aspect is my voice.
“It isn’t just a voice, it’s my sound and it’s distinctive from the first ‘yeah, yeah’ you hear in my songs. Just that and people feel good. I don’t want to be bragging!”
Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr is set to release her second album titled ‘The Year I Turned 21’. On what listeners should expect from the album, the Grammy nominee stated they should expect the best.

“A roller coaster of emotion, but in a way that is masterful and euphoric. Don’t expect any one thing. Instead, expect different genres intertwined into one. Expect to have a great time, to walk away with a positive feeling. Expect greatness.”
Ayra Starr

Ayra Dazzles Fans in France With Songs From New Album

Ayra Starr continues to roll out her second album.

On May 28, 2024, Ayra Starr graced the storied stage of the Louvre in France where she thrilled the audience with a collection of her hit singles.

Among her repertoire for the event were songs from her soon-to-be-released sophomore album titled ‘The Year I Turned 21’.

The Afrobeat sensation performed ‘Control’ off her album set to be released on May 31, 2024.

She also performed her hit single ‘Rush’ which received a Diamond plaque in a historic feat that made her the first and only Nigerian female artist to have a song certified Diamond in France.

Ayra Starr’s performance in France comes just weeks after she headlined the C6 Fest in Sau Paulo, Brazil.

She also recently got 3 nominations for the 2024 BET Awards including for the Best New Artist and Best African Act which is a testament to her fast-rising global fame.

The ‘Rush’ crooner stated that her album, ‘The Year I Turned 21’ is a tribute to her dad.

“I end the album with a song called ‘The Kids Are All Right’, which is my niece singing about dad and finally coming to terms with the death of my dad.”
Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr’s sophomore album features Asake, Seyi Vibez, Giveon, Anitta, Coco Jones, and Mil.

Earlier, Spotify, an online music streaming platform announced Ayra Starr, as EQUAL Africa and EQUAL Global program for May 2024.