Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and model. She began her fashion career at the age of 16 with Quove Model Management before deciding to pursue a career in music. Don Jazzy is the executive vice president of Mavin Records, where she is signed.
Early Life and Education
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born in Cotonou, Benin Republic on June 14, 2002, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She was born in Nigeria to parents from Kwara State, and she has two brothers, Ade and Dami, and two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutunmise. Her family relocated frequently during her high school years due to her father’s business, and she failed to form close relationships as a result.
Her interest in singing originates primarily from her upbringing in a musical household. At the age of ten, she joined a high school chorus and began creating songs with her brother. She earned a BA in international relations and political science from Les Cours Sonou University. During her undergraduate years, her peers ridiculed her because of her age and attractiveness. Ayra Starr turned to music to cope with her sentiments of mockery, listening to Nicki Minaj on her walk to school. Ayra Starr’s mother was constantly encouraged her daughter to pursue a singing career and was highly supportive of her daughter’s musical goals.
Career
Arya began her modeling career in August 2018 when she was signed to theQuove Modelling Agency in Lagos, where she worked with prominent companies such as Krisari Entertainment, Mazelle Studio, Concept Magazine, and Esperanza Women’s Wear Brand.
Don Jazzy, a music producer and label owner, discovered across Ayra’s profile and was blown away by her original work upload “Damage” in 2020. Arya was then confirmed as a signee of Don Jazzy’s Marvin Records Label on January 21st, 2020, alongside DNA Twins, Koredo Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Crayon.
The release of her debut EP project “Ayra Starr,” with a total of 5 tracks released under the Marvin Records label on January 22nd, 2021, revealed how the wonderful voice emanates versatility as her distinct style blends RnB/neo-soul with Afro-pop rhythms. Following its release, the EP swiftly soared to the top of Nigeria’s iTunes and Apple Music rankings.
The top-charting EP has received over 15 million listens on major streaming music platforms and is still making waves today. The music video for her EP’s smash hit “Away” premiered on MTV Base’s Official Naija Top 10 and was named one of the “9 Best Nigerian Songs of January 2021” by OkayAfrica.
Personal Life
In 2018, Ayra Starr lost her father to the icy clutches of death. Ayra was devastated by her father’s death because she was quite close to him. As an homage to her father, she has written and performed some songs. She resides in the Mainland of Lagos with her mother and brother.
Ayra Starr currently does not have a boyfriend or husband. Her current hit song, “Away,” describes the anguish she felt after leaving her previous love. She sings of finding strength in being liberated. She also admitted to freestyling parts of the verses.
Songs
She has released many songs, some of which are below;
- Memories
- Ija
- Away
- Ditr
- Sare
- Bloody Samaritan
- Karma
- Snitch
- Bridgeton
- Biggie Biggie
- Fashion Killer.
Awards and Nominations
Award | Year | Recipient(s) and nominees(s) | Category | Result | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
African Entertainment Awards USA | 2021 | Ayra Starr | Best New Artist | Nominated | |
African Muzik Magazine Awards | 2021 | Best Newcomer | Nominated | ||
Mobo Awards | 2021 | Best African Music Act | Pending | ||
Net Honours | 2021 | “Away” | Most Played R&B Song | Nominated | |
2022 | Herself | Breakout Artist of the Year (Female) | Won | ||
Most Searched Musician (Female) | Nominated |
References
Net Worth
There is little information as regards her net worth because she just started her music career only recently. There are only speculations that her Net worth is estimated at $400,000.