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Tag: Ayra Starr

  • Ayra Starr becomes first woman to win ‘Best African Music Act’ in 16 years

    Ayra Starr becomes first woman to win ‘Best African Music Act’ in 16 years

    Afrobeat singer Ayra Starr has achieved a monumental feat at the 2025 MOBO Awards, in Newcastle, United Kingdom. 

    She took home two prestigious awards, ‘Best International Act’ and ‘Best African Music Act’.

    Ayra Starr’s win in the ‘Best International Act’ category marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first African female artist to receive this honor. 

    Her victory in the ‘Best African Music Act’ category is also impressive, as she becomes the first female winner in 16 years.

    The ‘Sabi girl’ unique sound blends Afrobeats, R&B, and pop. 

    The 2025 MOBO Awards also recognised other talented artists, including: Darkoo, winner of ‘Best Female Act’, Central Cee, winner of ‘Best Male Act’, 90s Baby Show, winner of ‘Best Media Personality’ and Odeal, winner of ‘Best Newcomer’

    Read Also: Joining the kids’ choir shaped my voice, music – Ayra Starr

    Full List of Winners – MOBO Awards 2025

    Best Male Act: Central Cee

    Best Female Act: Darkoo

    Best Newcomer: Odeal

    Album of the Year: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

    Song of the Year: Darkoo – Favourite Girl (ft. Dess Dior)

    Video of the Year: Mnelia – My Man (directed by Femi Bello)

    Best Hip-Hop Act: Bashy

    Best Grime Act: Scorcher

    Best Drill Act: Pozer

    Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal

    Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show

    Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr

    Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With the Vampire

    Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: TSHA

    Best Gospel Act: Annatoria

    Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective

    Best Producer: Juls

    Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea

    Best Alternative Music Act: ALT BLK ERA

    Best International Act: Ayra Starr

    MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis

    MOBO Impact Award: Vybz Kartel

  • Joining the kids’ choir shaped my voice, music – Ayra Starr

    Joining the kids’ choir shaped my voice, music – Ayra Starr

    Afrobeat singer, Ayra Starr, has reflected on her early musical beginnings in the kids’ choir.

    In a recent interview, she shared that her musical journey started at the tender age of 10 when she joined her local church’s children’s choir.

    Read Also: Alaafin’s coronation in jeopardy over unknown whereabouts of Osun monarch

    As a singer in the choir, Ayra Starr said she developed her vocal skills and discovered her passion for music.

    She cherished the experience, recalling how it helped shape her artistry.

    “I love being in the choir, I was like the loudest child, it was a kids choir actually and everybody was little, it really helped me shape my voice and music”, she said.

  • Why abortion is not advisable, by Ayra Starr’s mother

    Why abortion is not advisable, by Ayra Starr’s mother

    The mother of singer Ayra Starr has discussed the risks associated with abortion and advised women to think carefully about their choices after having a child. 

    In a recent TikTok video, she stressed that women should prioritise planning and preparation before starting a family, highlighting the significant responsibilities and sacrifices that come with parenting.

    Ayra Starr’s mom also emphasised the importance of family planning in a recent TikTok video.

    She encouraged individuals to carefully consider their decision to become parents, emphasising that family planning can help avoid complicated situations.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr under fire after dancing to Naira Marley’s song 

    “Somebody said I should talk about abortion. It’s a two way thing. You can actually avoid being pregnant before thinking of the abortion. And abortion there can be complications. And if you keep the child you’ll miss a lot of seasons. Immediately you choose to keep the child your head will start working like an old phone that skips, because this is a life that you brought to this world. 

    “Do you want to live like that for like 20-25 years of your life? So you have to think about it even before the pregnancy, you can prevent it by doing family planning. Because bringing a child to this world is not beans. 

    “Do you want to sleep with different men because you want to raise a child? Is it easy? So we should not even talk about it. You can actually avoid all those things by not getting pregnant at all. Go do family planning. Must you even have s3x? Can’t you keep yourself? Purity speaks a lot, I can testify to it”.

  • Ayra Starr under fire after dancing to Naira Marley’s song 

    Ayra Starr under fire after dancing to Naira Marley’s song 

    Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr is facing backlash on social media for promoting Naira Marley’s latest song, “Pxy Drip (I’m Back)”. 

    The controversy surrounding Naira Marley stems from allegations of bullying and cyberstalking, particularly following the mysterious death of his former signee Mohbad in September 2023. 

    As a result, some Nigerians have ‘cancelled’ Naira Marley’s music.

    Despite the boycott, Marley’s song has gained traction on streaming platforms and TikTok. 

    Read Also: Never let online negativity control you, influencer Demure advises

    Ayra Starr’s video dancing to the song ignited a heated debate on social media, with some defending Ayra Starr’s right to enjoy the music and others condemning her for supporting Naira Marley.

    “I’m so disappointed in Ayra starr for vibing to that Naira Marley latest song,” a user wrote. 

    “And am unfollowing her everywhere and stop listening to her music Rubbish. 

    “Cause You people didn’t have mercy when Bloody Civilian took pictures with Very Dark Man and Odumodu.”

    The backlash led to Ayra Starr deleting the video from her page.

    Marley responded to the controversy with a defiant statement, telling critics to “cry in peace” and leave Ayra Starr alone.

  • Why middle-aged women should join TikTok – Ayra Starr’s mother

    Why middle-aged women should join TikTok – Ayra Starr’s mother

    Mrs. Aderibigbe, the mother of afrobeat singer Ayra Starr, has advised Nigerians to support their middle-aged mothers to join Tik Tok.

    She claimed that TikTok has been beneficial for her mental health and creativity.

    In a video message shared on her TikTok page, Aderibigbe expressed gratitude for the platform and its community.

    She emphasised the positive impact TikTok has had on her life, stating that it has improved her thinking and creativity.

    She urged Nigerians to encourage their mothers, aged 40-60, to join TikTok, citing its mental health benefits.

    Read Also: Mike Bamiloye to Christians: use social media responsibly

    She believed that the platform provides an opportunity for middle-aged women to share their life experiences and connect with others.

    She said: “I’m so grateful to be on TikTok. I’m so privileged to have you all in my life as part of me. Thanks you for your support.

    “If your mum is between 40-60 years old, encourage them to be on TikTok because it helps them mentally.

    “I’m on TikTok now and I can testify to it. My thinking now is different from before. Now, I’m creative in my thoughts.

    “You guys can see the way I’m looking. So please, encourage your mums, let them come and teach us their experiences in life.”

  • Ayra Starr set to release first single of 2025

    Ayra Starr set to release first single of 2025

    Singer Ayra Starr is kicking off 2025 with a brand-new single, “All The Love,” set to drop on February 11, a few days before Valentine’s Day.

    The song, which she previewed on social media, blends R&B and Afrobeats elements, showcasing her captivating vocals.

    Read Also; Tolling highways, a welcome development, says MC Oluomo

    Following a successful 2024, where she released her acclaimed sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” Ayra Starr is determined to continue her momentum.

    The album featured collaborations with notable artists like Asake, Seyi Vibez, Coco Jones, Giveon, and Aniita.

  • Ayra Starr makes history as first Nigerian woman to receive RIAA Diamond Single

    Ayra Starr makes history as first Nigerian woman to receive RIAA Diamond Single

    Afrobeats artist Ayra Starr has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first Nigerian woman to receive a RIAA Diamond single for her track “Santa.” 

    This prestigious certification is awarded to artists whose songs have sold over 1 million units in the United States.

    Read Also: Ugandan president’s son, Muhoozi professes love to Ayra Starr

    “Santa,” which features Puerto Rican artist Rauw Alejandro and Jamaican singer Rvssian, has been a huge success, blending Afrobeat and reggaeton influences. 

    The song reached the top 20 on Billboard’s US Hot Latin Songs chart and secured the 140th position on the Billboard Global 200 year-end chart for 2024.

  • New Year excites Ayra Starr

    New Year excites Ayra Starr

    22-year-old Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Starr is set to have an exciting 2025 with several shows and tour dates lined up.

    She is more than prepared for the year as she gearing up to perform across the globe including US and Canada, including North York, Foxborough, Madison, Nashville, and Miami.

    With her exceptional artistry over the years, the Mavins ‘stargal’ is reportedly working on various musical projects this year.

    Read Also: Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artists in 2024 – Spotify 

    Ayra Starr was nominated in the Best International Act category at 2025 Music of Black Origin Awards and Grammy Awards respectively.

    Since she hit the limelight with her single titled, ‘Away’ in 2021, Ayra Starr has continued to make history in the music industry.

  • Ugandan president’s son, Muhoozi professes love to Ayra Starr

    Ugandan president’s son, Muhoozi professes love to Ayra Starr

    Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has publicly expressed his admiration for Nigerian Afropop sensation, Ayra Starr.

    Kainerugaba revealed on his X account that his late grandfather, Mzee Amos, had granted him the freedom to pursue any woman of his choice, and he has now set his sights on the “Rush” singer.

    “My late grandfather, Mzee Amos, gave me permission to get any woman on earth. I will capture that girl, Ayra Starr,” he wrote.

    Read Also: Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artists in 2024 – Spotify 

    His declaration comes on the heels of Ayra Starr’s electrifying performance at the 27th edition of Blankets and Wine in Uganda, where she shared the stage with South African music duo Blaq Diamond.

    Ayra Starr, known for her distinctive fusion of Afropop and R&B, has been gaining global acclaim with her unique sound and captivating performances

  • Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artists in 2024 – Spotify 

    Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artists in 2024 – Spotify 

    Nigerian music stars Asake and Ayra Starr have emerged as the most streamed artists in Nigeria on Spotify in 2024.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday, said this is according to

    “Spotify Wrapped 2024”.

    Okumu said that the ten most streamed male artistes in Nigeria for the year included: Asake, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Bnxn, ODUMODUBLVCK, Shallipopi, Davido and Young Jonn.

    According to her, the ten most streamed female artistes in Nigeria were: Ayra Starr, Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, SZA, Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, Rihanna, Simi and Fave.

    She listed the ten most streamed tracks in Nigeria as: Dealer by Ayo Maff and Fireboy; Different Pattern by Seyi Vibez; Higher by Burna Boy; WOTO WOTO SEASONING by ODUMODUBLVCK and Black Sherif and Aquafina by Young Jonn.

    She said others were: Stronger by Young Jonn, Egwu by Chike and Mohbad; Instagram by Muyeez and Seyi Vibez; Cast by Shallipopi and ODUMODUBLVCK and POE by Ruger and Bnxn.

    “For the fourth year running, Nigerian artistes have dominated the top 10 most-streamed list, proving the nation’s unwavering love for its homegrown talent.

    “Asake takes the crown as the most-streamed artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Gambia, and Benin.

    “And it wasn’t just the Gen Z crowd who were hooked, Asake, alongside Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and Seyi Vibez, captivated listeners from 13 to 55+ years old, landing on the top 10 artists list for these age groups.

    “Rising stars, Ayo Maff and Muyeez, stormed the most-streamed tracks list with tracks “Dealer” and “Instagram,” proving the industry’s bright future.

    Read Also: I’m 50 times bigger than Asake – Blaqbonez claims 

    “Young Jonn’s hits, “Aquafina” and “Stronger”, showcased his staying power, while Burna Boy held his own with “Higher”. It’s a dynamic blend of old and new, driving the industry forward.”

    Okumu described Nigeria’s vibrant music scene as a global force to be reckoned with.

    “Spotify is always honoured to showcase the depth of Nigerian music and its incredible talents through ‘Wrapped’ each year.

    “The seamless blend of generations and genres showcases the unique power of Nigerian music to resonate both locally and globally.

    “It’s inspiring to see how our artistes are not just shaping culture at home but also making waves internationally,” she said.

    (NAN)