Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, the self-proclaimed ‘Starrgirl,’ has revealed how a secret relationship shaped her perspective on life and music, while sharing a lighthearted story about teasing none other than Stevie Wonder.
The 22-year-old shared a photo of herself from hospital, after undergoing ‘major surgery.’
“I was hoping it would be a quick recovery, but it was more complicated than they expected. I’m healing; I have strength today. I’m so happy I was able to even be here today and be able to do this,” Ayra said.
One week later, Ayra was back in the dance studio with a bandage wrapped around her belly, rehearsing for her forthcoming performance.
At the age of 18, she became the first African woman to win the Best International Act at the MOBO Awards and the first Nigerian woman to surpass one billion video views on YouTube.
She said she enjoyed the relationship while it lasted; at one point, she goaded Steve into a playful argument about zodiac signs.
“I was trying to one-up him every single time and he was trying to one-up me. It was almost like a battle, she recalled.
Ayra ultimately chose to prioritize her artistry and personal growth, a decision, she explained, became a metaphor for her new album, a project about autonomy, rebellion against stereotypes and walking boldly to her own rhythm.
The album is her first under a new management deal with J’s Roc Nation and relocation to New York. Leaving Lagos was a big upheaval, confessing an essay posted to her Substack last year.
She stated the move to the U.S. was a desire to explore new influences and expand her sound, which blends her Afrobeats rhythm with a hypnotic electronic pulse.