Ayra Starr Opens Up on Journey to Mavin Records, Grammy Nomination, and Handling Attention from Admirers

Ayra Starr, the talented singer also known as Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, shared insights into her journey to signing with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.

Ever since her debut EP dropped in 2021, the 21-year-old artist has been making significant waves both locally and internationally. In a recent interview, she delved into her signing with Mavin, her first-time nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys, her burgeoning profile in the music industry, and how she navigates attention from admirers, both male and female.

The “Rush” star expressed her indifference towards the attention she receives from others, emphasizing that she doesn’t let it bother her, regardless of the gender of those admiring her.

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“I’m an artiste to the core, and I want my style, my hair, my music, to represent how I feel. I don’t really care about aesthetics, it’s more about how I feel. I’m not really bothered about the male, female gaze, or anybody’s gaze for that matter, except my own. I’ve always had a mind of my own. Growing up in different places, in different cultures, has shaped my mind. And in spite of all these influences, I’m still myself. I wrote “Asé” when I was 15 — I had no business writing that song. So that gives you a glimpse of the kind of mindset I had at a young age.”

On how her mum redirected her passion from modelling to music, Ayra Starr said:

“I wanted to do modelling because everyone told me I couldn’t do it, like I’m not tall enough, and I told them, “watch me.” And I ended up doing it.

“When I look back, I’m so proud of little Ayra, too.

“It’s because of her that I’m here now. It’s because of that 16-year-old girl that didn’t give up and kept going. I used to do cover [songs] on Instagram. My mum and her friends used to force me to do covers. I uploaded one cover on Instagram — I didn’t even like the video. But something just kept telling me to post it and I did. Not up to 6 hours later, [Marvin Records CEO] Don Jazzy reached out. Three days later, he signed me.”