10 LEADING NIGERIAN ARTISTES IN 2024

3. AYRA STARR

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. 2024 has undoubtedly been a defining year for Ayra Starr, marking a period of significant growth and global recognition in her career. From the release of her highly anticipated second studio album The Year I Turned 21 to her international collaborations and touring,  it has been evident that she is an unstoppable force to reckon with in the music industry. 

In late 2023, Ayra Starr began working on her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21. This project marked a crucial moment in her musical journey, reflecting themes of self-discovery, love, grief, and empowerment. She explained that the album title was inspired not just by her age but by the growth and lessons she had learned along the way. She described the recording process as a “journey of experimentation and self-expression,” where she allowed herself to be vulnerable and explore new musical territories.

The album was created with contributions from longtime collaborators like Louddaaa, London, and Johnny Drille, as well as Grammy-nominated producer Rvssian. Recording took place at Mavin Studios in Lagos and continued into 2024.

Ayra Starr’s international presence surged in 2024 with several exciting collaborations and milestones. On March 5, 2024, American R&B superstar Chris Brown announced that Starr would be opening for him on his 2024 11:11 tour across North America, further establishing her status as a global artist.

One of the standout moments of the year was the release of the song “Santa” on April 8, 2024. The track, a collaboration with Jamaican producer Rvssian and reggaeton artist Rauw Alejandro, became a viral sensation, blending Afropop, reggaeton, and dancehall influences. The success of “Santa” established her as the first female Nigerian artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

In the same month, Ayra had a chance encounter with Rihanna at a Fenty event in London. The brief interaction, captured in a viral video, raised rumors of a potential collaboration. Rihanna expressed admiration for Ayra’s music and mentioned working together with both Ayra and Tems. For Ayra Starr, this was a thrilling moment, one she described as a sign of growth and a reflection of her artistry’s reach.

As part of building excitement for The Year I Turned 21, Ayra released several singles that further resonated with her growing fanbase. “Rhythm & Blues,” released on September 13, 2023, set the tone for the album, exploring themes of romance and nostalgia. Another significant single, “Commas,” released on February 2, 2024, explored themes of confidence and financial independence, with Ayra’s powerful vocals complementing the track’s upbeat vibe. “Santa” stood out as one of the year’s major hits.

The Year I Turned 21 was officially released on May 31, 2024, under Mavin Records. Upon release, it debuted at No. 1 on the Nigerian Albums Chart and made its mark on the global stage, entering the Billboard 200 at No. 195. Ayra Starr became the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this milestone.

The album featured collaborations with renowned artists such as Seyi Vibez, Coco Jones, Giveon, Asake, Anitta, and Rauw Alejandro. Songs like “Woman Commando,” featuring Coco Jones and Anitta, highlighted Ayra’s ability to seamlessly blend Afrobeat rhythms with Western pop influences.

Tracks like “21” received particular acclaim for their emotional depth, while “The Kids Are Alright” featured voice notes from Starr’s family, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her personal life.

To support the album, Ayra embarked on The 21 Tour, performing across Africa, Europe, and North America. Her performances were met with rave reviews, with many fans praising her ability to connect with audiences through her energy and raw emotion on stage. In an interview with The Guardian, Ayra shared, “This tour feels like a celebration of everything the album stands for—growth, resilience, and connection.”

Ayra’s international reach also expanded through her collaborations, including the much-anticipated song “Good Feelings” with Coldplay, released as part of their Moon Music album. She was also a supporting act for Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour in Australia and New Zealand.

As 2024 draws to a close, Ayra Starr has firmly established herself as one of the most influential and dynamic artists in the world.

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