Ayra Starr: How growing up in different cities helped my music career

Ayra Starr, the fast-rising Nigerian singer, says growing up in different cities has helped her to transform different energies into her music. 

The singer reflected on her rise to prominence in a mini-documentary by Spotify.

Ayra Starr said as a child, growing up in Lagos, Abuja, and Cotonou exposed her to different experiences which became a part of her sound.

“Growing up in different cities from Lagos, Abuja to Cotonou has helped me transform different energies into my sound. Cotonou is like a beach, very calm and serene and it’s a place where you can get your mind together,” she said.

“Then Lagos, for creatives and a creative person like me, Lagos just feels like home, something was always going on, there is always one party somewhere, I would go to parties that I was not invited to. The commotion, the vibe, everything that is happening. Everybody is doing something, everyone understands the struggle and everyone is working just as hard as me.”

The singer also talked about dealing with the pressure that comes with stardom.

“Doing music has not always be fun, there’s no time for anything personal at all. I knew that was going to be a problem but God, my family and others around me have kept me going,” she added.

The singer, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, has continued to enjoy fame since she joined Mavin Records, a music label owned by Don Jazzy.