Ayra Starr Net Worth 2024
Ayra Starr, the talented Nigerian singer and songwriter, has been making waves in the music industry, captivating audiences with her unique sound and undeniable talent.
As of 2024, Ayra Starr’s net worth is estimated to be an impressive $5 million. Let’s delve into the diverse streams of income that contribute to her financial success.
Concerts and Show Gigs
Ayra Starr has been a prominent figure on the live music scene, gracing stages with her electrifying performances.
Her ability to connect with fans through concerts and show gigs has not only elevated her status as an artist but has also significantly contributed to her growing net worth.
Brand Endorsements
Recognizing her influence and appeal, Ayra Starr has become a sought-after name for brand endorsements.
Companies eager to align themselves with her image and popularity have entered into lucrative partnerships, further boosting her financial portfolio.
Brand Partnerships
Beyond traditional endorsements, Ayra Starr has ventured into strategic brand partnerships.
Collaborating with businesses and brands in mutually beneficial arrangements has proven to be a lucrative avenue for the young artist, solidifying her presence in both the music and business worlds.
Fashion and Modeling
Ayra Starr’s style and fashion sense have not gone unnoticed. With a keen eye for trends and a distinct personal style, she has ventured into the world of fashion and modeling.
This additional source of income adds to the diversity of her financial portfolio.
Conclusion
Ayra Starr’s net worth of $5 million in 2024 is a testament to her multifaceted approach to success in the entertainment industry.
From captivating live performances to strategic brand collaborations and forays into fashion and modeling, she continues to make a mark both artistically and financially.
As Ayra Starr’s star continues to rise, her net worth is likely to see further growth, solidifying her position as one of Nigeria’s most promising and influential talents.
Ayra Starr Biography
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr and born on June 14, 2002, is a Nigerian singer of Beninese origin.
Her journey into the spotlight began at the age of 16 when she embarked on a fashion career with Quove Model Management.
However, her passion for music eventually led her to transition from the world of fashion to the dynamic realm of the music industry.
Ayra Starr’s initial recognition came through her social media presence. At the age of 16, she started covering popular artists’ songs on Instagram, showcasing her vocal prowess.
It wasn’t long before she posted her first original song on her Instagram page in December 2019, a move that caught the attention of renowned record executive Don Jazzy.
Impressed by her talent, Don Jazzy wasted no time in signing her to his prestigious record label, Mavin Records.
In the early months of 2021, Ayra Starr experienced a breakthrough with her eponymous debut extended play, notably propelled by the success of the hit track “Away.”
This song held its ground on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart, securing the fourth position for two consecutive weeks. “Away” also made its mark globally, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. The success of her EP paved the way for the release of her first full-length album, “19 & Dangerous,” later in 2021.
Characterized by a blend of afropop and R&B, “19 & Dangerous” garnered positive reviews from critics and spawned two top forty hits in Nigeria.
The lead single, “Bloody Samaritan,” achieved an impressive feat by topping the Top 50 chart, making Ayra Starr the first female artist to claim the number-one position with a solo song.
Her impact extended to the Pandora Predictions chart, and she secured the third spot on Billboard’s Next Big Sound on August 28, 2021.
Ayra Starr’s international acclaim surged in 2022 with the release of her song “Rush.” The track achieved notable chart success in various countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24.
This accomplishment earned Ayra Starr her first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in the Best African Music Performance category.
Notably, Ayra Starr made history as the youngest African female artist to surpass 100 million views on a single YouTube video, accomplishing this milestone within an impressive five months.
Her impact on the music scene solidifies her position as one of Nigeria’s best and most influential singers.
Early life
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin, and raised in both Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria, holds Nigerian citizenship and identifies with the Yoruba ethnicity.
Her formative years were marked by frequent relocations due to her father’s business, leading to challenges in forming lasting friendships during her high school journey.
Growing up in a family with a deep appreciation for music, Ayra Starr’s inclination towards singing was largely influenced by her familial surroundings.
Her musical journey commenced at the age of 10 when she joined a high school choir and began collaboratively composing songs with her brother.
While pursuing her education at Les Cours Sonou University, Ayra Starr focused on international relations and political science, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Unfortunately, her college years were marred by bullying from classmates, a consequence of her age and appearance. To combat the emotional toll of taunting, Ayra Starr found solace in music, citing artists like Nicki Minaj as a source of inspiration.
Reflecting on those challenging times, she shared, “I would listen to ‘Nicki Minaj’ on my way to school, and I’d feel like the second Nicki Minaj.”
Throughout her journey, Ayra Starr’s mother stood as a pillar of support for her musical aspirations, consistently encouraging her to pursue a career in singing.
Despite facing adversity during her academic years, Ayra Starr’s resilience and passion for music served as a driving force, ultimately propelling her towards the successful and influential career she enjoys today.
Career
2018–present: Early Career, Ayra Starr, and 19 & Dangerous
In August 2018, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, embarked on her journey by signing with Quove Models, a modeling agency situated in Lagos.
This venture paved the way for her appearances with reputable brands such as Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, and Esperanza Woman.
Transitioning from modeling to music, Ayra Starr’s rise began in 2019 when she started sharing captivating covers of songs by artists like Andra Day and 2Face Idibia online.
It was during this time that she adopted her stage name, Ayra Starr, which she describes as embodying a sense of awareness and enlightenment.
Her breakthrough moment occurred in December 2019 when she uploaded her original song, “Damage,” on Instagram. This caught the attention of renowned label executive Don Jazzy, leading to her signing with Mavin Records.
In 2020, Ayra Starr entered Mavin Studios in Lagos, collaborating with producers Louddaaa and Don Jazzy. The culmination of this effort was her self-titled debut extended play, released on January 22, 2021.
Described as a “topsy-turvy chronicle of love or love-themed situations,” the EP seamlessly merged elements of R&B/neo-soul with Afropop percussion.
The release quickly gained traction, securing the number-one position on Nigeria iTunes and Apple Music shortly after its debut.
With over 15 million streams across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Audio Mack, Ayra Starr’s EP showcased her broad appeal.
The standout track, “Away,” reached number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 and an impressive number 17 on the US Billboard Top Triller Global chart.
Following the EP’s success, Ayra Starr continued to make waves in the music scene, releasing remix versions of “Ija” and “Away” featuring Tokimonsta and Lilo, respectively.
Collaborating with artists like Crayon on the EP Twelve A.M and performing at events such as the “UC Berkeley” Nigerian Students Association virtual culture show, she solidified her presence in the industry.
On July 11, 2021, Ayra Starr graced the stage for the season finale of Nigerian Idol, showcasing her captivating live performances.
A month later, on August 6, 2021, she released her debut studio album, “19 & Dangerous.” Collaborating with both previous and new collaborators like London and Andre Vibez, the album received positive critical acclaim for its primarily Afropop and R&B sound.
The album’s lead single, “Bloody Samaritan,” soared to the top of the TurnTable Top 50, marking Ayra Starr’s first number-one single on the chart.
She continued to make history, debuting on the Pandora Predictions chart and ranking number two on Billboard’s Next Big Sound on August 28, 2021. Additionally, she secured a brand ambassador role for Pepsi Nigeria in September 2021.
In November 2022, Ayra Starr collaborated with Wizkid on the track “2 Sugar,” featured in Wizkid’s fifth studio album, “More Love, Less Ego.” The song topped the Billboard Hot Trending and debuted at number 5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
March 4, 2023, marked another milestone for Ayra Starr as she announced on social media that her music was featured as the soundtrack for the blockbuster American action movie, Creed III.
With an impressive journey and numerous accolades, Ayra Starr continues to shape the contemporary music landscape, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Musical Style
Ayra Starr’s musical repertoire is characterized by a delightful diversity, predominantly falling under the genres of Afropop and R&B.
Her vocal prowess has been lauded in the media, described as “silky,” “cozy,” “delicate,” “sturdy,” “arresting,” and “soulful.” Critics have taken note of the dynamic nature of her vocal range and the emotive depth of her delivery.
The fusion of English, Nigerian Pidgin English, and Yoruba in her lyrics adds an enriching layer to her music, exploring contemporary themes such as love, relationships, empowerment, and freedom.
Comparison to Tems
Upon the release of her debut EP, some critics drew parallels between Ayra Starr’s vocal technique and Tems’ musical style.
Addressing these comparisons in an interview with Cool FM, Ayra Starr expressed her appreciation, stating, “I’m a young artist, and Tems is an amazing musician.
For people to compare me to such an amazing musician, it’s a compliment, and I’m honored.” While acknowledging similarities, critics like Motolani Alake emphasized that Ayra Starr is not a replica of Tems but acknowledged occasional vocal nuances.
Alake also highlighted the distinction, noting that Tems leans towards alternative, while Starr embodies a more Nigerian and Afropop style, infused with vibrant lamba in her soul.
Critical Reception of Debut EP
Reviews of Ayra Starr’s debut EP labeled it as a “coming-of-age jukebox.” Critics praised her vocal abilities and considered the EP a testament to her artistic sensibilities.
Thandie Sibanda from Schön! Magazine and Karen Chalamilla of The Floor emphasized that Ayra Starr’s unique sound not only solidifies her as a standout vocalist but also offers a glimpse into her evolving artistic identity.
In a review of “19 & Dangerous,” Oris Aigbokhaevbolo of Music In Africa commended Ayra Starr’s evolution as an artist, emphasizing her adaptability across genres while maintaining a distinctive sound.
The album, rooted in Afropop-R&B, also integrates influences from neo-soul, jazz, and EDM. This fusion showcases Ayra Starr’s versatility and ability to weave through different musical landscapes, further establishing her as a dynamic force in the contemporary music scene.
Influences
Early Musical Influences and Background
Ayra Starr’s journey into the world of music was shaped by her upbringing in a family deeply immersed in musicality.
Both her mother, a former singer, and her brother Dami, a guitarist and songwriter, served as her earliest inspirations.
Raised between Bénin and Nigeria, Ayra experienced the rich tapestry of diverse cultures, influencing her outlook on life and shaping her distinctive personality.
From a young age, Ayra Starr and her brother Dami, guided by their mother and aunt, began honing their songwriting skills.
Her musical ambitions took root as early as age 10, but her father, emphasizing the importance of education, encouraged her to complete her studies before pursuing a full-fledged career in singing.
Wide Array of Musical Influences
Throughout her childhood, Ayra Starr was exposed to a broad spectrum of musical influences that contributed to the eclectic nature of her musical style.
These influences include Nigerian artists such as 2Face Idibia, Wande Coal, Angélique Kidjo, Lijadu Sisters, and Tope Alabi.
As she entered college, her musical palette expanded to encompass global icons like Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Sia, and Tiwa Savage.
Vocally, Ayra Starr draws significant inspiration from Shakira, whom she credits as her biggest influence along with Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Miley Cyrus. She recalls the power she felt listening to these artists and acknowledges their impact on her approach to music.
Ayra reflects on the evolving landscape of Nigerian female singers, noting that during her formative years, there were fewer voices addressing strong themes, a trend that has since changed.
In terms of lyricism, Ayra Starr holds Aṣa in high regard, praising her beautiful writing style.
Aṣa serves as a source of inspiration for Ayra, who admires her ability to convey profound messages through her lyrics.
Ayra views Aṣa as someone she listened to deliberately, aiming to learn the art of writing effectively.
Other Ventures
In addition to her thriving music career, Ayra Starr has ventured into various opportunities, expanding her influence beyond the realms of the music industry.
Brand Ambassadorship
In September 2021, Ayra Starr secured a notable role as a brand ambassador for Pepsi Nigeria, aligning herself with one of the leading beverage brands in the country.
This partnership reflects not only her musical prowess but also her growing presence as a recognizable figure in the world of endorsements.
Media Features
Ayra Starr has been featured in prominent publications, showcasing her presence in the world of fashion and lifestyle.
Notably, she graced the cover of Accelerate TV’s The Cover in the October 2021 issue, providing insights into her life and career.
Additionally, she made an appearance in the Fall/Winter 2021 issue of ODDA, further establishing her footprint in the fashion and editorial landscape.
Her feature in a Notion editorial in 2021 underscores her relevance and appeal in the global media sphere.
These ventures exemplify Ayra Starr’s ability to transcend the boundaries of music, making a mark in diverse industries and solidifying her status as a multifaceted and influential figure.
