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Tag: Ayra Starr

  • Ayra Starr eyes Grammy, Billboard Hot 100, Super Bowl

    Ayra Starr eyes Grammy, Billboard Hot 100, Super Bowl

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has outlined her ambitious goals, targeting global superstardom.

    The 23-year-old Afrobeats sensation has revealed in an interview on eTalk show that reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, winning multiple Grammy Awards, and headlining the Super Bowl halftime show within the next decade will be her dream come true.

    According to her, she’s also planning to tour the world, with a particular focus on performing in Asia.

    Beyond music, Ayra Starr also said she aims to establish her lifestyle brand in fashion, makeup, beauty, or skincare, which she hopes will become a household name within the next 20 years.

    Read Also: I’m not a womaniser, says Timini Egbuson

    “I definitely want a top Hot 100 Billboard song. That’s a must. I have to have that. I want Grammys upon Grammys. I’m going to tour the world. I feel like I’ve done that, but I want to be able to tour Asia.

    “I want a number one record in the world. To be honest, just taking over. I’m already doing that, but I want to do it on a much grander scale. 10 years from now, I want to do my own Super Bowl.

    “Twenty years from now, I want to have my own brand—even before then—but I want it to be a household name. Either in fashion, makeup, or beauty, skincare, or something fun. I just want to be able to do something fun and enjoy it,” the Mavin star said on eTalk.

    Her aspirations are built on the foundation of her rapid rise to fame, including her historic nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards for her hit single “Rush.”

  • Why Wizkid is ‘always sick’ of me – Ayra Starr

    Why Wizkid is ‘always sick’ of me – Ayra Starr

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has revealed that Grammy-winning singer Wizkid is always ‘sick’ of her because she constantly tries to make him laugh. 

    Speaking in an interview on eTalk show, she described Wizkid as not only an incredible artist but also a ridiculously funny friend who often finds himself at the receiving end of her playful antics. 

    She said: “Wizkid is an amazing friend and an amazing person to be around.

    “I could learn so much from him. He’s hilarious and we have the same humour, so he’s always sick of me because I try to make him laugh or something.”

    The ‘Rush’ crooner said their friendship hasn’t always been this way, stating how she was extremely nervous during their first studio session together, feeling intimidated by Wizkid’s legendary status. 

    However, as they’ve spent more time together, she said she’s grown to appreciate his easygoing nature and sense of humor.

    “During my first session, I was panicking because it was Wizkid. But now we’ve done our music video together and I’m older. He’s always telling me how much I’ve grown. 

    “He’s such an amazing artist and having such an icon working with me shows how much of an amazing artist I am… I had to sneak that in,” she said.

    The two artists have collaborated on several projects, including their recent song “Gimme Dat,” which has been getting love from fans.

  • How I felt when I met Rihanna – Ayra Starr shares emotional moment

    How I felt when I met Rihanna – Ayra Starr shares emotional moment

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has opened up about her thrilling encounter with her idol, global superstar Rihanna.

    Speaking in a recent interview with ETalk TV, the Mavin Records sensation revealed that meeting Rihanna left a lasting impression on her.

    Describing the music icon as an amazing person and role model, the ‘Rush’ hitmaker said she was overjoyed to learn that Rihanna is actually a fan of her music.

    “I’m my favourite artist’s favorite artist,” she said with excitement, adding that the moment was both humbling and surreal.

    Ayra praised Rihanna’s personality and artistry, calling her “an amazing artist, woman, and person in general.”

    She also confessed to feeling nervous in Rihanna’s presence, often making jokes to ease her anxiety.

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    She said, “She [Rihanna] is such an amazing person. To be honest, it [meeting her] still feels like a dream. I love her so much. People always say, ‘never meet your idols’, but I’m so glad I met mine because she’s just an amazing person. And the fact that she loves my music; I’m my favourite artist’s favourite artist.

    “She’s such an amazing artist, an amazing woman, an amazing person in general; somebody to look up to. I know I chose a great role model, and being able to be around her, I usually don’t know what to do with myself. When I get nervous around her, I try to make unnecessary jokes.”

    Ayra Starr said she’s looking forward to collaborating with Rihanna in the future.

  • Ayra Starr becomes most followed African female artist on Spotify

    Ayra Starr becomes most followed African female artist on Spotify

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first African female artist to reach 5 million followers on Spotify.

    With over 2.7 billion total streams across all credits, Ayra Starr’s standout track “Santa” has surpassed 707 million streams, while her hit single “Rush” has amassed over 474 million streams.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr set for acting debut in Hollywood’s children of blood and bone

    However, she still trails Tems who has 3.8 billion streams on the list of most streamed African female artists on the platform.

    In February, Spotify crowned Ayra Starr the leading artist in its Global Impact List for 2025.

    This prestigious recognition highlights her dominance in the music industry, with her song “Santa” featuring prominently among the top 30 Nigerian tracks on the list.

    Other notable artists featured on the list include Tems, Burna Boy, and international collaborators like Rauw Alejandro and Giveon. 

  • Ayra Starr set for acting debut in Hollywood’s children of blood and bone

    Ayra Starr set for acting debut in Hollywood’s children of blood and bone

    Award-winning Nigerian singer Ayra Starr is set to make her acting debut in the Hollywood adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, Children of Blood and Bone.

    The Mavin Records sensation will appear alongside an impressive cast that includes acclaimed actors Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Idris Elba.

    Speaking in a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Ayra Starr described the experience as a major shift from her music career, highlighting the discipline and structure required on a film set.

    “My first movie ever. I’m used to being a singer and being a diva on set, but with this one — in a movie — it’s not about you. You have to be on set on time,” she shared.

    The Rush crooner praised the dedication and stamina of professional actors and said working with industry veterans has been both humbling and inspiring.

    Despite initial reservations and shyness, Ayra Starr said her deep love for the arts motivated her to embrace the opportunity, calling it a new chapter in her creative journey.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr slams critics over constant online backlash

    She said: “I got used to military time and being on set on time, working hard. I respect actors so much more now, their stamina is impeccable.

    “It’s something I have always wanted to do; sorry to cut you short. I love music, but I always loved the arts in general, but I had always been shy when it comes to acting. This is the first time in my life I’ve been on camera, but I’m not singing; I’m acting.

    “Working with greats is amazing; I learnt so much from everybody on set, not just the greats, just the actors on set. I learn from the 16-year-olds, 14-year-olds on set; it’s inspiring just watching them”. 

  • Ayra Starr slams critics over constant online backlash

    Ayra Starr slams critics over constant online backlash

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has fired back at critics who accused her of not reading the room before posting on social media.

    She expressed frustration, stating that there’s nothing she can do or say to people who intentionally want to bully and misunderstand her.

    She stated that her critics have found a scapegoat in her and should focus on more pressing issues rather than harassing her.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr becomes first Nigerian female artist to hit 1 billion YouTube views

    She wrote: “There’s nothing I can do nor say to people that intentionally want to bully and misunderstand me every time, you’ve found a scapegoat abi ? Focus on issues that actually matter and leave me tf alone”.

  • FULL LIST: Ayra Starr wins ‘Best International Act’ at 2025 BET Awards

    FULL LIST: Ayra Starr wins ‘Best International Act’ at 2025 BET Awards

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has won the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act.

    The 22-year-old Afrobeats sensation beat out fierce competition from notable artists such as Tyla from South Africa, fellow Nigerian Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif.

    This win further shines a spotlight on the global appeal and influence of African music.

    The BET Awards ceremony, held Monday Night, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.

    Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the event, bringing his signature humor and sharp wit to the stage.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr becomes first Nigerian female artist to hit 1 billion YouTube views

    Ayra Starr’s nominations continued into 2025, building on her previous nods for Best New International Act in 2022, Best International Act in 2023, and the BET Her Award in 2024 for her hit song “Commas”.

    Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, taking home four major awards: Album of the Year for “GNX”, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us”, and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Luther”. 

    Full List of Winners at the 2025 BET Awards:

    Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
    Best  Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
    Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
    Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
    Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
    Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
    Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
    Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
    Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
    Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
    Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
    Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
    Best Actor – Denzel Washington
    Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
    YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
    Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese
    Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts
    BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
    Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
    Best International Act – Ayra Starr
    Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” – Chris Brown

  • Ayra Starr becomes first Nigerian female artist to hit 1 billion YouTube views

    Ayra Starr becomes first Nigerian female artist to hit 1 billion YouTube views

    Award-winning singer Ayra Starr has made history as the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube, joining the ranks of global Afrobeats icons Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.

    Her breakout hit “Rush,” which has amassed over 450 million views, remains one of the most-watched Afrobeats videos on the platform.

    The song earned her a UK platinum certification and marked her as the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100 chart.

    In 2025, Ayra Starr expanded her global reach with the release of ‘Gimme Dat’, a collaboration with Wizkid that samples classics by Wyclef Jean.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, others bag nominations for 2025 BET awards

    The track has further cemented her position as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices.

    She has also earned major accolades, including two MOBO Awards and a Headies Award for Best R&B Single for her collaboration with Giveon on Last Heartbreak Song.

    Ayra Starr’s latest milestone underscores her continued rise as a trailblazer in the global music scene.

  • Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, others bag nominations for 2025 BET awards

    Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, others bag nominations for 2025 BET awards

    The 2025 BET Awards nominations have been unveiled with Nigerian artists leading the charge with several notable mentions.

    Ayra Starr is the most nominated African artist, with three nods in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act categories.

    The 21-year-old singer has been making waves globally with her chart-topping releases and acclaimed performances.

    Other Nigerian stars have also earned recognition, including Burna Boy and Rema, who are both nominated for Best International Act.

    Burna Boy, a dominant force in the Afrobeats genre, has previously won this award four times.

    Shallipopi, a rising star known for his street-hop sound, has been nominated for Best New International Act, representing a new wave of Nigerian talent gaining international attention.

    Tems, a Grammy-winning singer, has also been nominated in the BET Her category for her powerful tracks “Burning” and “Hold On” from her debut album Born In The Wild.

    The 2025 BET Awards ceremony will take place on June 9 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live on BET.

    American rapper Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 10 nods, followed by other notable artists such as Doechii, Drake, Future, and GloRilla.

    The Complete List Of Nominees is:

    Album of the Year  

    $OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U                DRAKE & PARTYNEXTDOOR
    11:11 DELUXE                                 CHRIS BROWN
    ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL          DOECHII
    COWBOY CARTER                             BEYONCÉ
    GLORIOUS                                          GLORILLA
    GNX                                                KENDRICK LAMAR
    HURRY UP TOMORROW                    THE WEEKND
    WE DON’T TRUST YOU                        FUTURE & METRO BOOMIN

    Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
    AYRA STARR
    ARI LENNOX
    COCO JONES
    KEHLANI
    MUNI LONG
    SUMMER WALKER
    SZA
    VICTORIA MONÉT

    Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
    BRUNO MARS
    CHRIS BROWN
    DRAKE
    FRIDAYY
    LEON THOMAS
    TEDDY SWIMS
    THE WEEKND
    USHER

    Best Group
    41
    COMMON & PETE ROCK
    DRAKE & PARTYNEXTDOOR
    FLO
    FUTURE & METRO BOOMIN
    JACQUEES & DEJ LOAF
    LARRY JUNE, 2 CHAINZ, THE ALCHEMIST
    MAVERICK CITY MUSIC

    Read Also: I’m the first African artist to win BET awards – Ice Prince 

    Best Collaboration
    30 FOR 30                              SZA FEAT. KENDRICK LAMAR
    ALTER EGO                            DOECHII FEAT. JT
    ARE YOU EVEN REAL        TEDDY SWIMS FEAT. GIVĒON
    BECKHAM                          DEE BILLZ FEAT. KYLE RICHH, KAI SWERVO, KJ SWERVO
    BLESS                                  LIL WAYNE, WHEEZY & YOUNG THUG
    LIKE THAT                            FUTURE & METRO BOOMIN & KENDRICK LAMAR
    LUTHER                                KENDRICK LAMAR & SZA
    STICKY                                     TYLER, THE CREATOR FEAT. GLORILLA, SEXYY RED &  LIL WAYNE
    TIMELESS                             THE WEEKND FEAT. PLAYBOI CARTI

    Best Female Hip Hop Artist
    CARDI B
    DOECHII
    DOJA CAT
    GLORILLA
    LATTO
    MEGAN THEE STALLION
    NICKI MINAJ
    RAPSODY
    SEXYY RED

    Best Male Hip Hop Artist
    BURNA BOY
    BIGXTHAPLUG
    BOSSMAN DLOW
    DRAKE
    FUTURE
    KENDRICK LAMAR
    KEY GLOCK
    LIL WAYNE
    TYLER, THE CREATOR

    Video of the Year
    3AM IN TOKEYO                KEY GLOCK
    A BAR SONG (TIPSY)         SHABOOZEY
    AFTER HOURS                     KEHLANI
    DENIAL IS A RIVER              DOECHII
    FAMILY MATTERS                DRAKE
    NOT LIKE US                        KENDRICK LAMAR
    TIMELESS                             THE WEEKND FEAT. PLAYBOI CARTI
    TYPE SHIT                             FUTURE, METRO BOOMIN, TRAVIS SCOTT & PLAYBOI CARTI

    Video Director of the Year
    ANDERSON .PAAK
    B PACE PRODUCTIONS & JACQUEES
    BENNY BOOM
    CACTUS JACK
    COLE BENNETT
    DAVE FREE & KENDRICK LAMAR
    DAVE MEYERS
    FOGGIERAW
    TYLER, THE CREATOR

    Best New Artist
    41
    AYRA STARR
    BIGXTHAPLUG
    BOSSMAN DLOW
    DEE BILLZ
    LEON THOMAS
    OCTOBER LONDON
    SHABOOZEY
    TEDDY SWIMS

    Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
    A GOD (THERE IS)                 COMMON & PETE ROCK FEAT. JENNIFER HUDSON
    AMEN                                 PASTOR MIKE JR.
    BETTER DAYS                      FRIDAYY
    CHURCH DOORS              YOLANDA ADAMS FEAT. SIR THE BAPTIST & DONALD
    LAWRENCE (TERRY HUNTER REMIX)
    CONSTANT                            MAVERICK CITY MUSIC, JORDIN SPARKS, CHANDLER MOORE & ANTHONY GARGIULA
    DESERVE TO WIN               TAMELA MANN
    FAITH                                   RAPSODY
    RAIN DOWN ON ME         GLORILLA FEAT. KIRK FRANKLIN, MAVERICK CITY MUSIC

    Viewer’s Choice Award
    RESIDUALS                            CHRIS BROWN
    DENIAL IS A RIVER                DOECHII
    NOKIA                                   DRAKE
    LIKE THAT                               FUTURE & METRO BOOMIN FEAT. KENDRICK LAMAR
    TGIF                                        GLORILLA
    NOT LIKE US                       KENDRICK LAMAR
    LUTHER                                    KENDRICK LAMAR & SZA
    BROKEY                              LATTO

    Best International Act
    ANY GABRIELLY (BRAZIL)
    AYRA STARR (NIGERIA)
    BASHY (UNITED KINGDOM)
    BLACK SHERIF (GHANA)
    EZRA COLLECTIVE (UNITED KINGDOM)
    JOÉ DWÈT FILÉ (FRANCE)
    MC LUANNA (BRAZIL)
    REMA (NIGERIA)
    SDM (FRANCE)
    TYLA (SOUTH AFRICA)
    UNCLE WAFFLES (SWAZILAND)

    Best New International Act
    ABIGAIL CHAMS (TANZANIA)
    AJULIACOSTA (BRAZIL)
    AMABBI (BRAZIL)
    DLALA THUKZIN (SOUTH AFRICA)
    DR YARO (FRANCE)
    KWN (UNITED KINGDOM)
    MAGLERA DOE BOY (SOUTH AFRICA)
    MERVEILLE (FRANCE)
    ODEAL (UNITED KINGDOM)
    SHALLIPOPI (NIGERIA)
    TxC (SOUTH AFRICA)

    BET Her
    BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE                           MARY J. BLIGE
    BLACKBIIRD                                   BEYONCÉ FEAT. TANNER ADELL, BRITTNEY
    SPENCER, TIERA KENNEDY & REYNA ROBERTS
    BLOOM                                          DOECHII
    BURNING                                            TEMS
    DEFYING GRAVITY                             CYNTHIA ERIVO FEAT. ARIANA GRANDE
    HEART OF A WOMAN                        SUMMER WALKER
    HOLD ON                                       TEMS
    IN MY BAG                                     FLO & GLORILLA

    Best Movie
    BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
    BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F
    LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH
    MUFASA: THE LION KING
    ONE OF THEM DAYS
    REBEL RIDGE
    THE PIANO LESSON
    THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT

    Best Actor
    AARON PIERRE
    ALDIS HODGE
    ANTHONY MACKIE
    COLMAN DOMINGO
    DENZEL WASHINGTON
    JAMIE FOXX
    JOEY BADA$$
    KEVIN HART
    STERLING K. BROWN
    WILL SMITH

    Best Actress
    ANDRA DAY
    ANGELA BASSETT
    COCO JONES
    CYNTHIA ERIVO
    KEKE PALMER
    KERRY WASHINGTON
    QUINTA BRUNSON
    VIOLA DAVIS
    ZENDAYA

    YoungStars Award
    AKIRA AKBAR
    BLUE IVY CARTER
    GRACEYN “GRACIE” HOLLINGSWORTH
    HEIRESS HARRIS
    MELODY HURD
    THADDEUS J. MIXSON
    TYRIK JOHNSON
    VANVAN

    Sportswoman of the Year Award
    A’JA WILSON
    ANGEL REESE
    CLARESSA SHIELDS
    COCO GAUFF
    DAWN STALEY
    FLAU’JAE JOHNSON
    JUJU WATKINS
    SHA’CARRI RICHARDSON
    SIMONE BILES

    Sportsman of the Year Award
    AARON JUDGE
    ANTHONY EDWARDS
    DEION SANDERS
    JALEN HURTS
    JAYSON TATUM
    LEBRON JAMES
    SAQUON BARKLEY
    STEPHEN CURRY

  • Ayra Starr earns platinum certification in UK with ‘Rush’

    Ayra Starr earns platinum certification in UK with ‘Rush’

    Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has secured a major milestone with her 2022 hit single “Rush” earning a UK platinum plaque, certified by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for surpassing 600,000 units in combined sales and streams.

    This achievement marks her as the first Nigerian female artist to debut a solo track on the UK Official Top 100, further solidifying her global influence.

    “Rush,” released in September 2022, has also garnered a Diamond certification in France, adding to its impressive list of accolades.

    She made a stunning appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, embodying the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” with a sleek, minimalist gown.

    Read Also: Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Tems, Adichie shine at 2025 MET Gala

    She also released her latest single, “Gimme Dat,” featuring Grammy-winning superstar Wizkid, on April 25, 2025.

    The track, produced by VybeO and Mikabeatz, samples Wyclef Jean’s “Diallo” and “911” featuring Mary J. Blige, blending Galala rhythms with Starr’s mid-tempo melodies.

    This marks their second collaboration following the 2022 hit “2 Sugar” from Wizkid’s album More Love, Less Ego.