Sing-Songwriter Ayra Starr just dropped her debut self-titled EP with Mavin Records and it’s kind of a big deal. Born in Benin and raised between Cotonou and Lagos, Ayra is the new girl on the block that is already making big waves, and the positive reception to her first major body of work combined with a co-sign from Don Jazzy himself signals a crossing of the guard moment from the older generation of Nigerian hitmakers to the new.
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Ayra’s sound is eclectic, soulful and distinctive, the kind of music that newer Nigerian artists are leaning further towards. She still possesses that bravado that we’re used to seeing from Nigerian pop artists, but with an indie edge that feels more representative of the listening habits of Gen Z Nigerians.
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Her debut single off the EP, Away, is lighter, airy and unbothered, Starr’s strong vocal ability taking centre stage as she pushes her old man to the side. In her own words, she doesn’t need his stress, and she won’t cry over him either. That’s something that a lot of younger Nigerian can relate to: refusing to take a man’s shit, refusing to mourn over somebody who is not worth it. It’s the kind of song that you can sing to yourself in the mirror like a manifestation, saying the words over and over until you believe them.
She carries that indie afro-pop sound throughout the album, blending the percussive elements that we are all familiar with, with bubblier production and bold lyrics. This is an album that can soundtrack a good Lagos night out, bright lights and a little too much to drink. We’ve seen the Nigerian industry embrace a more contemporary sound with artists like Rema and Odunsi, but it’s important to see Nigerian women taking up more space in this new scene as well. Ayra Starr is a star of a new generation, and we look forward to seeing what else she (and the other women standing by her side) can do.
