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Tag: Ayra Starr

  • 2025 MOBO Awards: Ayra Starr, Odumodublvck, Asake, others shine with multiple nominations 

    2025 MOBO Awards: Ayra Starr, Odumodublvck, Asake, others shine with multiple nominations 

    The nominees for the 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards have been unveiled, showcasing impressive representation from Nigerian artistes.

    Asake and Ayra Starr earned spots in the prestigious Best International Act category, competing alongside global icons such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj.

    In the Best African Music Act category, seven Nigerian stars made the list: Asake, Ayra Starr, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, Bnxn, Ruger, and Tems.

    This strong showing highlights the growing influence of Nigerian music on the global stage.

    South African singer Tyla, who won the Best New Artist award at the 2024 BET Awards, is also nominated in both categories.

    Other notable nominees include Central Cee, who could become the first musician to win the Best Male Artist award three times, and West London rapper, who is tied with Stormzy for the most wins in the category.

    See the full list of nominations below:

    Best international act

    Asake

    Ayra Starr

    Beyonce

    Glorilla

    Kendrick Lamar

    Latto

    Megan Thee Stallion

    Nicki Minaj

    Tems

    Tyla

    Best African music act

    Asake (Nigeria)

    Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

    Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)

    King Promise (Ghana)

    Odumodublvck (Nigeria)

    Rema (Nigeria)

    Shallipopi (Nigeria)

    Tems (Nigeria)

    Tyla (South Africa)

    Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

    Best male act

    Bashy

    Central Cee

    D-Block Europe

    Ghetts

    Nemzzz

    Sampha

    Best female act

    Cleo Sol

    Darkoo

    Jorja Smith

    Little Simz

    Nia Archives

    Raye

    Album of the year

    Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

    Cleo Sol – Gold

    Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose

    Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying

    Sampha – Lahai

    Skrapz – Reflection

    Song of the Year

    Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – Band4band

    Chase & Status, Stormzy – Backbone

    Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – Favourite Girl

    Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani

    Leostaytrill – Pink Lemonade

    Odeal – Soh-Soh

    Best newcomer

    Chy Cartier

    Elmiene

    Fimiguerrero

    Flowerovlove

    Jordan Adetunji

    Len

    Leostaytrill

    Myles Smith

    Odeal

    Pozer

    Video of the year

    Meekz – Mini Me’s

    Mnelia – My Man

    Raye – Genesis

    Sampha – Only

    Skepta – Gas Me Up (Diligent)

    Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – Hocus Pocus

    Best R&B/soul act

    Cleo Sol

    Elmiene

    Flo

    Jaz Karis

    Jorja Smith

    Nippa

    Odeal

    Sasha Keable

    Shae Universe

    Sinead Harnett

    Best grime act

    Chip

    D Double E

    Duppy

    Kruz Leone

    Manga Saint Hilare

    Scorcher

    Best hip-hop act

    Bashy

    Cristale

    Headie One

    Nines

    Potter Payper

    Skrapz

    Best drill act

    163Margs

    Central Cee

    Headie One

    Kairo Keyz

    K-Trap

    Pozer

    Best performance in a TV show/film

    Angela Wynter As Yolande Trueman In Eastenders

    Caroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book Ii: Ghost

    Diane Parish As Denise Fox In Eastenders

    Dionne Brown As Queenie In Queenie

    Ghetts As Krazy In Supacell

    Jacob Anderson As Louis In Interview With The Vampire

    Jasmine Jobson As Jaq In Top Boy

    Josh Tedeku As Tazer In Supacell

    Kingsley Ben-Adir As Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One Love

    Tosin Cole As Michael In Supacell

    Best media personality

    90’s Baby Show

    AJ Odudu

    Chuckie Online

    Craig Mitch

    Henrie Kwushue

    Madame Joyce

    Micah Richards

    Specs Gonzalez

    The Receipts Podcast

    Zeze Millz

    Best Caribbean music act

    Popcaan

    Shenseea

    Skillibeng

    Spice

    Valiant

    Yg Marley

    Best Jazz act

    Amy Gadiaga

    Blue Lab Beats

    Ego Ella May

    Ezra Collective

    Kokoroko

    Yussef Dayes

    Best Alternative Music Act

    Alt Blk Era

    Bob Vylan

    Hak Baker

    Kid Bookie

    Native James

    Spider

    Best Electronic/Dance Act

    Eliza Rose

    Nia Archives

    Pinkpantheress

    Salute

    Shygirl

    Tsha

    Best Producer

    Ceebeaats

    Inflo

    Read Also: Asake beats South Africa’s Tyla to win Best African Artist at MOBO Awards

    Juls

    M1OnTheBeat

    P2J

    Sammy Soso

    Best Gospel Act

    Annatoria

    Imrhan

    Limoblaze

    Reblah

    Still Shadey

    Volney Morgan & New Ye

  • Jaywon addresses fallout with Ayra Starr

    Jaywon addresses fallout with Ayra Starr

    Singer Jaywon has spoken out about his strained relationship with colleague Ayra Starr, stemming from a viral photo that sparked mocking from trolls.

    In a recent interview with News Central, Jaywon explained that the controversy began when a photo of him and Ayra Starr surfaced online.

    Jaywon said he had taken the picture to show support and celebration for Ayra Starr’s success, considering her an amazing artist making Nigerians proud.

    However, the photo was misinterpreted, and trolls began mocking Jaywon and he expected Ayra Starr and her management to address the trolls and clear up any misconceptions.

    Instead, they remained silent, and her management promoted the photo, fueling its viral spread.

    Jaywon feels Ayra Starr’s silence and her team’s actions were calculated to keep the attention on her.

    He expressed disappointment but acknowledged it’s part of the music industry. 

    Jaywon said: “The Ayra Starr situation is unfortunate. We are not cool. People don’t get it. What would make me, Jaywon want to take a picture with Ayra Starr?

    “Of course, she’s an amazing artist who has been making us [Nigerians] proud. So, it’s just love. I only wanted to support and celebrate her for the good work she’s doing.

    “People also support and celebrate me, too. So when I see a young artist doing good, I want to be part of that celebration.

    “We took a picture and it went viral, you and your never said anything about it. The only thing your management did was to promote the picture back to back. Nobody is dumb.

    “We know how the [music] industry works. People are saying she didn’t say anything about the picture. Of course, she didn’t say anything about the picture but she saw it trending everyday. Why would she not say something about it?

    “Oh yeah, because that is how they roll. I don’t blame them. They feel like if they say something, they are going to stop the picture from trending. They enjoy it. No problem. Everybody has their time,” he said.

  • Jaywon apologises to Ayra Starr after Grammy snub

    Jaywon apologises to Ayra Starr after Grammy snub

    Singer Jaywon has apologised to his junior colleague Ayra Starr after being accused of mocking her Grammy snub. 

    The 67th Grammy nominees were recently announced, and Ayra Starr’s omission sparked controversy.

    Jaywon, involved in an online feud with Ayra Starr, shared a photo posing with two Grammy awards, which many saw as a jab at Ayra Starr. 

    Read Also: Ayra Starr speaks on comparison with South Africa’s Tyla

    Facing backlash, Jaywon clarified his intentions.

    “If you see Ayra Starr, tell her I’m sorry she wasn’t nominated for this year’s Grammys. I’m a huge fan of her music, and I believe she’s one of the best female vocalists Africa has,” he wrote.

    As a voting member of the Recording Academy, Jaywon emphasised his support for elevating artists, not pulling them down. 

    “On this side, we don’t pull people down. We elevate, not just for today, but for the future. Ola Inu Kan,” the singer wrote on X.

  • Ayra Starr speaks on comparison with South Africa’s Tyla

    Ayra Starr speaks on comparison with South Africa’s Tyla

    Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr has spoken on the constant comparison with her South African counterpart Tyla.

    According to her, the comparisons do not bother her, stressing that their friendship remains unaffected by naysayers. 

    In an interview with BBC Radio 1 Xtra, Ayra Starr described Tyla as her “homegirl” and “G”.

    She said, “Tyla is my homegirl, that’s my G. That doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t care about all of that. Less noise, more music.

    ”Let’s support each other, like, why not, like afrobeats and African music is about to take over the world and we have to come together to be able to do that. There’s no need for comparisons”.

    The two singers were nominated in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys, which Tyla won.

  • Cooking Nigerian meals keeps me grounded on tour – Ayra Starr

    Cooking Nigerian meals keeps me grounded on tour – Ayra Starr

    Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr has revealed that cooking Nigerian meals is a vital part of her life, especially while touring.

    In an intimate conversation with fellow singer Coco Jones, Ayra Starr emphasised the importance of home-cooked meals in keeping her happy and centered.

    According to her, Nigerian food is more than just sustenance; it’s a source of comfort.

    She said she prioritises eating Nigerian meals wherever she is, often opting for serviced apartments with kitchen facilities to cook her own meals.

    Read Also: I feel ‘old’ despite being 22 – Ayra Starr

    She said: “Sometimes I just want to eat my food, and sometimes I try to stay in serviced apartments whenever I can so that I can cook. I feel like that keeps me and centres me. So even if I’m tired from a shoe and it’s late, even if it’s 9, 10, or 11 p.m., cooking is relaxing for me.

    “I also try to eat Nigerian food wherever I am because it keeps me happy. I be like, ‘I don’t want to eat burgers again. Are we eating burgers again?’ please.”

    Ayra Starr also shared other ways she unwinds on tour, including watching TV shows and seeking support from loved ones.

    “One thing I’m going to do when I’m on the road is to make sure to have a TV show so I can disappear for three minutes to watch it; I’d watch it on my phone.”

  • I still live with my family – Ayra Starr

    I still live with my family – Ayra Starr

    Grammy-nominated singer Ayra Starr has revealed that she still lives with her family in Nigeria despite being famous. 

    In a recent interview with Coco Jones for Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians issue, Ayra Starr said she values her relationships with friends and family, involving them in her life and seeking their opinions on everything from fashion choices to music.

    According to her, she has a group chat with her friends where they share their thoughts on her outfits.

    Read Also: Ayra Starr set for first YouTube live concert in Kenya

    Ayra Starr says despite the occasional overwhelm of fame she is still grateful for her support system at home. 

    “When I go back home [Nigeria], I still live with my family. My brothers are making noise playing video games. I still involve my friends in my life. 

    “We have a group chat where I solicit their opinions on what I wear. I thank God for my friends and family. Although, sometimes, it gets overwhelming and I have to disappear,” Starr said.

  • Ayra Starr set for first YouTube live concert in Kenya

    Ayra Starr set for first YouTube live concert in Kenya

    On October 20, 2024, Grammy-nominated African music artist Ayra Starr will perform a special YouTube Live concert streamed globally from Nairobi, Kenya.

    The event, produced in partnership with Raha Fest, will celebrate the release of her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21”, and will be on her official YouTube channel.

    Ayra Starr, who is known for her distinct melodies and soulful blend of Afrobeats and pop international attention with hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush”. Her rise in the music world has been powered not just by her undeniable talent but also by platforms like YouTube, which have enabled African artists to connect with audiences globally.

    This concert will offer fans an intimate experience as Ayra Starr will perform new tracks from “The Year I Turned 21” alongside other fan favourites. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible to audiences all around the world, giving them the chance to be part of this special moment. Fans, Mobstarrs, as she calls them will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Ayra Starr through the “Woman Commando” YouTube Shorts challenge, allowing them to create and share their own interpretations of her hit single. Additionally, exclusive behind-the-scenes content will be captured, adding another layer of excitement to the experience, which will be shared on YouTube.

    Read Also: Nigeria records 500 building collapses in 14 years, says NIA

    Nairobi, with its vibrant music scene, deep roots in African culture, and a youth population that adores Ayra Starr, was chosen as the perfect setting for this electrifying performance. Ayra’s growing fan base across Kenya and East Africa makes the city a fitting backdrop for her first YouTube Live concert.

    Speaking about the concert, Ayra Starr said, “Performing live is where I get to connect deeply with my fans, and I’m so excited to do this on a global scale from Nairobi. This album means so much to me, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone through YouTube.”

    Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, shared, “We are thrilled to host this Ayra Starr’s YouTube Live concert in partnership with Raha Fest. YouTube is not just a platform for music, but a place where artists from all over the world can connect directly with fans, no matter where they are. We’ve seen African music grow tremendously on YouTube, and this concert is a continuation of that journey—bringing Ayra Starr’s incredible talent to a global stage.”

  • Ayra Starr to perform at YouTube live concert in Nairobi

    Ayra Starr to perform at YouTube live concert in Nairobi

    Grammy-nominated African music artist Ayra Starr will perform a special YouTube Live concert streamed globally from Nairobi, Kenya. 

    The event, produced in partnership with Raha Fest, will celebrate the release of her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21”, and will be available for fans worldwide to experience on her official YouTube channel.

    Ayra Starr, who is known for her distinct melodies and soulful blend of Afrobeats and pop international attention has hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush”.

    Her rise in the music world has been powered not just by her undeniable talent but also by platforms like YouTube, which have enabled African artists to connect with audiences globally.

    The concert will offer fans an intimate experience as Ayra Starr will perform new tracks from “The Year I Turned 21” alongside other fan favourites. 

    The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible to audiences all around the world, giving them the chance to be part of this special moment. 

    Fans, Mobstarrs, as she calls them will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Ayra Starr through the “Woman Commando” YouTube Shorts challenge, allowing them to create and share their own interpretations of her hit single. 

    Additionally, exclusive behind-the-scenes content will be captured, adding another layer of excitement to the experience, which will be shared on YouTube.

    Nairobi, with its vibrant music scene, deep roots in African culture, and a youth population that adores Ayra Starr, was chosen as the perfect setting for this electrifying performance. 

    Ayra’s growing fan base across Kenya and East Africa makes the city a fitting backdrop for her first YouTube Live concert.

    Speaking about the concert, Ayra Starr said: “Performing live is where I get to connect deeply with my fans, and I’m so excited to do this on a global scale from Nairobi. This album means so much to me, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone through YouTube.”

    Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, shared, “We are thrilled to host this Ayra Starr’s YouTube Live concert in partnership with Raha Fest. YouTube is not just a platform for music, but a place where artists from all over the world can connect directly with fans, no matter where they are. We’ve seen African music grow tremendously on YouTube, and this concert is a continuation of that journey—bringing Ayra Starr’s incredible talent to a global stage.”

    Read Also: Ayra Starr gets 4 MTV EMA nominations

    “Raha Fest is proud to partner with YouTube to present an unforgettable music experience with the sensational Ayra Starr! By merging Kenya’s bustling creative scene with global acts, we’re fostering a cultural exchange and positioning Kenya as a global destination for tourism and entertainment,” said Ashleigh Ali, Chief Executive Officer, Raha Creative Kenya.

    YouTube has always been a major force in promoting African music to the world. More than 70% of watch time on content produced by channels in Nigeria comes from outside of Nigeria, showcasing how YouTube has provided a global audience for African music. 

    The platform continues to be a key player in amplifying the voices of artists like Ayra Starr, who are shaping the sound of today’s music.

    Fans around the world can tune in to watch the concert live on October 20, 2024, at 9 PM EAT on Ayra Starr’s official YouTube channel: YouTube.com/AyraStarr.

  • Ayra Starr gets 4 MTV EMA nominations

    Ayra Starr gets 4 MTV EMA nominations

    • By Favour Idowu

    Nigerian music star Ayra Starr, has continued to make waves in the music industry with her recent nominations for the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards.

    The Mavin artist has been recognized in four categories including ‘Best African Act,’ ‘Best Push,’ ‘Best Afrobeats,’ and ‘Best New Artist.’

    The 30 th edition of the award show is set to take place on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Manchester’s Co-op Live in the UK.

    Ayra Starr’s journey to stardom began with her debut EP in early 2021, which featured the hit track “Away.”

    Read Also: Ayra Starr hits 2 billion streams on Spotify

    The song spent two consecutive weeks at number four on Nigeria’s Turntable Top 50 chart and peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Top Thriller Global chart. Her first full-length album, ‘19 & Dangerous,’ released later that year, received critical acclaim and produced chart-topping hits like “Bloody Samaritan,” which became the first solo song by a female artist to reach the number-one position on Nigeria’s Top 50 chart.

    In 2022, Ayra Starr gained international recognition with her single “Rush,” which charted in several countries and earned her a nomination for Best African Music

    Performance at the Grammy Awards. She also became the youngest African female

    artist to surpass 100 million views on a single video on YouTube.

  • Ayra Starr hits 2 billion streams on Spotify

    Ayra Starr hits 2 billion streams on Spotify

    Afrobeat sensation Ayra Starr has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify. 

    This feat follows the success of her second album, “The Year I Turned 21,” which has garnered over 500 million streams on the platform.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Ayra Starr, Asake, Tems, Burna Boy, others nominated for 2024 MTV EMAs

    The album’s genre-bending sounds and introspective lyrics have contributed significantly to Ayra Starr’s streaming numbers.

    Ayra’s rise to fame began with her self-titled debut EP in 2019, quickly propelling her through the Nigerian music industry