Global Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr says she has reached a stage in her career where she no longer feels the need to prove anything to the music industry or her fans. The 22-year-old Grammy-nominated star revealed that her only competition now is herself, describing her current mindset as one of freedom, confidence, and authenticity.
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra in London, Ayra explained that the pressure she once felt as a rising artist has given way to a new wave of self-assurance. “I’m in a very comfortable place where I don’t see the need to prove myself to anybody other than myself,” she said. “I’ve already done that. Now it’s about doing what feels right for me.”
Her latest single, “Hot Body,” released earlier this month, reflects that boldness. According to Ayra, the track wasn’t just dropped because it sounded good but because it captured how she feels about her life and artistry at this moment. “I feel good. Right now, my body is better than I have ever felt. I didn’t just release it because it sounds good — look what the hot body can do, that’s exactly how I feel,” she told listeners.
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, burst onto the scene in 2021 under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. Dubbed the “Sabi Girl,” she has since become one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports, with hit singles like Rush and Bloody Samaritan charting globally. Her nomination for the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024 cemented her status as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices on the world stage.
Beyond the accolades, Ayra’s confidence also stems from the growing recognition of female artists in Afrobeats. She has often spoken about carving her own lane in an industry once dominated by men, and her success has inspired a younger generation of African women who see her as proof that global superstardom is possible without compromise.
Music critics note that her evolving sound — blending Afropop, R&B, and bold lyricism — reflects her refusal to be boxed in. “Ayra Starr is rewriting the rules,” one UK-based analyst observed. “Her confidence is not arrogance; it’s the mark of an artist who knows she has crossed from proving herself to defining herself.”
For Ayra Starr, the journey has come full circle: from battling doubts as a teenager uploading covers on Instagram to becoming a Grammy nominee and selling out shows worldwide. And as she makes clear, the world may still expect more from her, but she no longer owes proof to anyone. She’s simply living her truth — and turning it into hits.
