Nigerian Afrobeats artist Ayra Starr, known for her hits such as ‘Rush’, ‘Sability’, ‘Rhythm & Blues’, and more, takes the spotlight for Spotify’s EQUAL Africa and EQUAL Global program this May.
She joins fellow Nigerian Tiwa Savage, who is the only other African artist to be both the Spotify EQUAL Africa and Global artist.
Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager, in Sub-Saharan Africa stated that their commitment at Spotify is to support and empower women in the music industry, helping to create a more level playing field.
“Seeing artists like Ayra Starr come from the continent to gain global recognition serves as a true testament that Africa is full of talent, all that is needed is a platform. It has been a great journey to witness the growth of female artists who are also inspiring generations to come, which also speaks to our commitment to equally support female artists.”
Monica Kemoli-Savanne
Spotify hosted 15 EQUAL activations and over 14.8 million artist discoveries stemmed from EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artists received 11,800 editorial playlist adverts, all in 2023, further demonstrating the program’s impact and reach.
Ayra Starr whose February release “Commas” already has over 35 million streams on Spotify, spoke on the expressive musical style that has helped her craft a niche in the music industry, and what it means to her to be selected as Spotify’s EQUAL artist.
“I am grateful to become a Spotify EQUAL Ambassador. It means so much to me to be able to represent women in Afrobeats and African women in general. There are so many women in music right now and the EQUAL program is doing a great job in highlighting their hard work.”
Ayra Starr
Speaking on how the Spotify EQUAL program is significant from her perspective, Ayra Starr noted there are so many women in music today, behind the scenes, in front of the camera, musicians, and sound engineers.
“All these women working hard and Spotify EQUAL is doing a great job in highlighting all their hard work.”
Ayra Starr
Being Spotify’s EQUAL artist for the month both from an African and Global, “It means everything to me because I am a girl and I have to support my gender and level the playing field,” Ayra Starr revealed.
The “Rush” hitmaker stated that she would describe her sound. tone, and style as highly vibrational, eccentric, unique, and wonderful to someone who has never heard her music.
She told her fans to anticipate a new single from her anytime soon.
“Yes. I have a new single with Seyi Vibes called ‘Bad Vibes’ and I can’t wait for you guys to hear it. It’s amazing and it’s one of those songs that makes you feel good. The best part about it is that it is not just a regular Afrobeat record, it’s like genres intertwined.”
Ayra Starr
Singer Reveals Her Relationship Status
Sarah Aderibigbe Oyikansola, popularly known as Ayra Starr or Sabi Girl, recently opened up about her relationship status in a recent video.
Ayra Starr, who was rumored to be in a relationship with her Mavin colleague, Rema at one point, revealed that she is currently single but hopes to find love soon.
“I am not in love yet but [I will be] soon. I break hearts every day. Not on purpose, though. In case I’ve broken anybody’s heart, it has not been on purpose.”
Ayra Starr
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr is set to drop a second album, ‘The Year I Turned 21’, scheduled to be out on May 31. The album features Coco Jones, Seyi Vibez, and Asake, among others.
Netizens moved to the comment section and reacted to her revelation.
“Ball of sunshine. Ayra. So real. Proper naija girl.”
manubeez1708
“She seems like a fun person to be around. I love her energy.”
TheHuny85
“Her Energy is contagious. She’s up Tempo just like her Music. So Nigerian!!”
wasgan165
“Okay, Ayra has a great vibe.”
DAMMYPRINCE
