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23 Facts about Ayra Starr you probably didn’t know

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Here are 23 interesting facts about Ayra Starr you probably didn’t know.

Afrobeats’ golden girl, Ayra Starr, turned 23 on June 14, 2025, and while fans worldwide celebrated her new age, many are still curious about the woman behind the voice.

Since breaking out with her self-titled EP under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records in 2021, the Rush hitmaker has become a global sensation, with chart-topping singles, viral anthems, and a distinct Gen Z appeal.

In celebration of her 23rd birthday, here are 23 intriguing facts about Ayra Starr you probably didn’t know:

1. BET Award winner (June 2025)

In early June 2025, Ayra Starr made history by clinching the Best International Act award at the BET Awards. This accolade which was a major highlight of the evening, recognizes outstanding non‑American artists, and her win confirmed her status among the world's top global musicians. It marked a major milestone for Nigerian and African women in music, demonstrating her ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with established global stars.

2. Double victory at the 2025 MOBO Awards

In February 2025, she had two major MOBO wins in Newcastle, Best African Music Act and Best International Act, the former being particularly notable because no female had won it in 16 years.

This sweep defied expectations and cemented her reputation as a trailblazer, earned through both technical skill and cultural appeal. It also reflected growing recognition of female artists in Afrobeats on the world stage.

3. Gimme Dat collab with Wizkid

Her 2025 single Gimme Dat, featuring Wizkid, cleverly samples the classic Mary J. Blige & Wyclef Jean track 911. In Nigeria, the song peaked at No. 3, and it also climbed into the top 10 of the Billboard US Afrobeats chart. The collaboration showcased her ability to blend nostalgia with modern flair while solidifying her position as a key player in the genre’s new guard.

4. Spotify’s Nigerian impact campaign

In early 2025, Ayra dropped tracks from her album The Year I Turned 21, landing six of them in Spotify’s “Nigeria Global Impact” Top 30. This Spotify metric measures music that’s resonating worldwide through Nigerian listeners. It proves she can pack a punch with more than one hit, inspiring an entire playlist of hits that audiences around the world are streaming hard.

5. Rush conquers the UK

Rush, her seminal hit, peaked at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart and gained significant traction across multiple European territories. In May, 2025, Rush became certified platinum in the UK. It became her first song to achieve this milestone in the region. The success reflects how her music and Afrobeats more broadly, is crossing into Western mainstream airwaves. It also confirms that her sound resonates with diverse audiences, not just Afrobeats fans.

6. Grammy nod for Rush (2023)

In 2023, Rush earned a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. Although she didn’t win, the nomination alone boosted her international visibility and flagged her as one of Afrobeats’ most formidable young voices.

7. 100 Million YouTube views by age 18

By early 2021, at just 18 years old, Ayra became the youngest Nigerian female artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube, powered mainly by the viral success of Rush. Also, she became the first Nigerian female artiste to surpass 400 million views on YouTube. Her meteoric rise not only showcased her generation's power to go global via digital platforms but also marked her as a phenomenon in a single click.

8. A genre-blending trailblazer

Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous (2021), was a masterclass in genre fluidity, melding Afropop, R&B, alté, trap, neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. The creative melding helped carve out her distinctive sound: a refreshing fusion that resists easy categorization but appeals to music lovers across styles.

9. Paris Fashion Week favorite

At the Balmain FW24 show in Paris, Ayra stunned in a latex cut-out look, an appearance that instantly went viral in fashion circles. Her ability to seamlessly step into couture-runway spaces reinforced her dual status as both a music star and a fearless fashion icon.

10. Educated & multilingual

Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, she holds a degree in International Relations from Les Cours Sonou University. Growing up between Nigeria and Benin educated her in English, Yoruba, and French, further connecting her with diverse West African audiences.

11. From model to chart-star

Before her rise in music, Ayra was signed to Quove Models in Lagos, featuring in brand campaigns and magazine spreads. Her early modeling built her comfort in the spotlight, and that experience carries through her confident stage presence and visuals.

12. Her name means 'woke'

She defines Ayra rooted in Arabic as meaning "woke" or "eye‑opening," reflecting her mission to uplift and empower listeners. It’s a name that perfectly aligns with her music's themes of growth, self-discovery, and authenticity.

13. Faith underpins her art

Despite her bold style, Ayra describes herself as deeply spiritual and references her Christian faith in interviews. This balance between personal belief and artistic expression deepens her appeal, conveying sincerity beyond the glamor.

14. Writes her own music

Hits like Away, Rush, and Bloody Samaritan are penned by Ayra herself, evidence of her creative control and authenticity as an artist. Her writing reinforces that she’s not just a performer but a storyteller.

15. TikTok-fueled viral sensation

Thanks to TikTok, Rush exploded into global consciousness. TikTok users turned her song’s catchy hook into a viral dance moment. The buzz propelled her music past 100 million YouTube views and earned her pop undeniable recognition.

16. Mostly vegetarian lifestyle

Ayra has shared her preference for a plant-based diet, reflecting her commitment to health, eco-conscious living, and self-care. It’s a reminder of her off-stage poise behind the energy of her performances.

17. Proud anime fan

She’s an anime nerd at heart, frequently praising Naruto and Attack on Titan in interviews. The unexpected detail illustrates her pop culture depth and reveals interests beyond typical celebrity talk.

18. Billboard 200 alumna

Her sophomore album The Year I Turned 21 not only debuted at No. 1 in Nigeria but also earned a spot on the Billboard 200, making her the first Nigerian woman to land in that ranking. It’s another testament to her rising global influence.

19. A fashion statement maker

Of all the facts about Ayra Starr, this is the most obvious. From couture to streetwear, Ayra consistently delivers bold, boundary-pushing looks. Whether styled in vintage glam or edgy streetwear, she’s fast becoming one of Africa’s most influential style leaders.

20. Champion for LGBTQ+ rights

Ayra’s expressed visible support for LGBTQ+ communities, advocating love, inclusion, and self-expression through her public platforms. In culturally conservative spaces, her stance fuels positive social change.

21. Manifestation advocate

She often credits “manifesting greatness” for guiding her trajectory, believing in affirmations and positive thinking. Her mindset reflects Gen Z’s alignment with spiritual wellness and personal growth as pathways to success.

22. Featured on ‘Creed III’ soundtrack

In 2023, she appeared on the Creed III soundtrack, placing her voice alongside major international artists. Her inclusion speaks to her crossover appeal and growing rapport within film and music industries.

23. Headlined a world tour in 2024

Her 21: The World Tour spanned North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, taking her message to fans across continents. The tour showcased her stage energy, global reach, and status as a next-gen Afrobeats heavyweight.

Lastly, of all the facts about Ayra Starr, it is evident that at just 23, she isn’t just observing music culture, she’s shaping it. From awards and viral hits to fashion and activism, her story embodies what it means to build a modern musical empire rooted in purpose and global outlook.

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