Ayra Starr Biography: Family, Spouse, Real Name, Career, Net Worth, Age 2025

Ayra Starr Biography: Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and model whose explosive rise to stardom has made her one of the most celebrated artists in the Afrobeats genre. Known for her compelling voice, mesmerizing stage presence, and unique blend of Afrobeats, pop, and R&B, Ayra Starr has carved out a distinct identity in the global music scene. Her music resonates not only in Africa but across the globe, making her an international sensation in a relatively short period.

As of 2025, Ayra Starr’s estimated net worth is $1 million, a testament to her immense success in the music industry, marked by millions of streams, sold-out concerts, and high-profile collaborations. But how did Ayra Starr achieve this success? In this biography, we will take an in-depth look at Ayra Starr’s life, including her upbringing, early career, rise to fame, and notable accomplishments in the music industry.

If you’re curious to know more about Ayra Starr’s personal life, her career milestones, and how she became one of the leading voices in Afrobeats, keep reading.

Ayra Starr Biography

Ayra Starr was born as Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin. She hails from a family with a strong musical background, which played a pivotal role in shaping her future career. Her mother was a former singer, and her brother, Dami, is a guitarist and songwriter. Ayra Starr grew up in a family that encouraged creativity and self-expression, especially through music.

At a young age, Ayra was exposed to diverse musical genres, from traditional Nigerian sounds to global pop music, giving her a well-rounded appreciation for different styles of music. Ayra’s father, a businessman, also supported her passion for music, even though he initially had reservations about her pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

Growing Up in Cotonou and Lagos

Though Ayra was born in Cotonou, she spent a significant part of her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, due to her family’s frequent relocations. Moving between countries and cities allowed her to experience various cultures, which would later influence her music and songwriting.

Living in Lagos introduced Ayra to the pulse of the Nigerian music scene, where Afrobeats was flourishing. Ayra’s time in Lagos was formative, as she began to explore her musical talents more seriously. Despite the challenges of adjusting to new environments and facing cultural differences, Ayra learned to embrace change and use it as inspiration in her music.

Her family’s dynamic and her love for music led Ayra to start writing songs and learning to sing at an early age. She began performing in school choirs and participating in local talent shows, where her vocal abilities began to shine.

Ayra Starr Career Beginnings: Transition from Modeling to Music

Starting as a Model

Before fully diving into music, Ayra Starr began her career in the entertainment industry as a model. At the age of 16, she signed with Quove Model Management, which marked the start of her modeling career. She worked with brands like Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, and Esperanza Woman. Though modeling brought her some recognition, Ayra’s heart was always set on music. The experience in front of the camera gave her confidence, which later became essential in her music career.

The Shift to Music

It was during her time as a model that Ayra Starr began to pivot towards music. Although she had always loved singing, it wasn’t until she posted her first original song, “Damage,” on Instagram in December 2019 that things took a significant turn. The post quickly went viral, and Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records, noticed her talent. Impressed by her voice and the song’s composition, Don Jazzy signed Ayra Starr to his record label, Mavin Records, in 2020.

This shift from modeling to music was a turning point in Ayra’s life. Despite her initial success in the fashion world, her passion for music was undeniable, and signing with Mavin Records marked the beginning of her journey as a professional musician.

Ayra Starr Rise to Fame

The Release of Her Self-Titled Debut EP (2021)

Ayra Starr’s journey into the spotlight officially began with the release of her self-titled debut EP on January 22, 2021. The EP featured a mix of Afropop, R&B, and alternative elements, establishing Ayra as a versatile artist. The lead single, “Away,” quickly became a hit, topping the charts on platforms like Apple Music and iTunes in Nigeria.

The EP’s success was undeniable, and it played a significant role in solidifying Ayra’s status as one of the leading female voices in Afrobeats. The track “Away” peaked at number four on the Nigeria TurnTable Top 50 and number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart, showing her international appeal. The success of her debut EP established Ayra Starr as a breakout artist in the Nigerian music scene.

Breakout Success with “Rush” (2022)

In 2022, Ayra Starr released the song “Rush,” which became one of the biggest hits of the year. The track charted in Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, reaching number 24 in the UK. It was the most-streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify, and it earned Ayra a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. “Rush” solidified Ayra’s place on the international music scene and marked a significant milestone in her career.

The success of “Rush” also reflected Ayra Starr’s growing influence as an artist. Her ability to blend modern pop sensibilities with traditional Afrobeats rhythms created a distinct sound that resonated with audiences across the globe.

The Year I Turned 21 (2024)

In 2024, Ayra Starr released her highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21”. The album was a huge success, debuting at number one on the Nigerian Albums Chart and entering the Billboard 200 at number 195. This achievement made Ayra Starr the first Nigerian female artist to appear on the prestigious Billboard chart. The album features collaborations with artists such as Seyi Vibez, Coco Jones, Giveon, Asake, Anitta, and Rauw Alejandro, further cementing her international reach.

Critics and fans alike praised the album for its cohesive production and the way Ayra Starr seamlessly blended various genres, including Afropop, R&B, alternative music, and hip-hop. “The Year I Turned 21” not only showcased her growth as an artist but also emphasized her ability to stay true to her roots while exploring new musical territory.

Ayra Starr Personal Life

Ayra Starr’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping her as a person and artist. Raised in a family where music was always present, Ayra’s mother, a former singer, and her brother, a guitarist, were her biggest influences. Her family has always supported her musical aspirations, and their guidance has been essential in her journey to success.

Despite her fame, Ayra remains close to her family and often credits them for her success. Her mother’s encouragement to pursue her dreams has been a driving force throughout her career.

Relationships and Privacy

Ayra Starr is known for keeping her personal life private. While her career is very much in the public eye, Ayra chooses not to share much about her romantic life. As of 2025, she is not married and has not disclosed any details about her relationship status. She is focused on her music and continuing to build her brand as an artist.

Interests and Hobbies

In addition to her music career, Ayra Starr has shown a keen interest in fashion. Her bold and eclectic style has made her a fashion icon in Nigeria and internationally. She frequently shares her outfits and personal style on social media, inspiring her fans to embrace individuality through fashion.

Ayra Starr is also interested in acting, and in 2024, she made her acting debut in the movie Christmas in Lagos, where she appeared as herself. She is also set to star in the upcoming American action thriller film Children of Blood and Bone, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. These ventures show Ayra’s versatility and ambition to extend her influence beyond music into other areas of entertainment

Ayra Starr’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Ayra Starr’s estimated net worth is $1 million. This reflects her growing success in the music industry, with earnings from streaming, album sales, live performances, and endorsements. Ayra has become one of Nigeria’s most successful female artists, and her fanbase continues to grow as she releases more music and takes on new projects.

Revenue Streams

Multiple revenue streams, including touring, music sales, and sponsorships, drive Ayra’s net worth. Her live performances have become highly sought after, and she charges up to $7,000 per show. In addition, she earns income from streaming royalties on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where her songs continue to garner millions of streams. As Ayra Starr’s career continues to flourish, her wealth is expected to rise even further.

Conclusion

Ayra Starr’s rise from a young girl in Cotonou to one of the most prominent voices in global music is an inspiring story of talent, determination, and resilience. Her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop has made her a standout artist in the music industry, and her growing influence across the globe has made her a role model for aspiring musicians everywhere.

With her groundbreaking music, captivating performances, and strong personal brand, Ayra Starr is well on her way to becoming a household name in the entertainment industry. As she continues to release new music, collaborate with international artists, and explore new creative endeavors, there’s no doubt that Ayra Starr will remain a dominant force in music for many years to come.

Call to Action

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