With the release of her sophomore album and the conclusion of her tour with Chris Brown in May and June of 2024, Ayra Starr has had an incredible year. The Nigerian superstar, in collaboration with Amazon Music, debuted Dare to Dream, a documentary on Thursday, August 1, wherein she talks about her goals and the future of Afrobeats.
“What African music and Afrobeats have accomplished demonstrates our indomitable nature. Starr remarked, “We’re literally the best genre in the world,” in response to her 66th annual Grammy Awards nomination. Additionally, she shared her ultimate ambition, saying, “I want to become an African superstar, and it’s very important and very key for me to show up for my culture to the world.”
“I want people to look back and be like, ‘She was very proud of where she was from,'” the “Bloody Samaritan” musician continued. From my beats, from the music I created, from the tunes I sampled… Some people may not understand it now, but you will eventually understand it, in my opinion.
“It seemed clear that Ayra Starr should be our newest Breakthrough Artist. “Her early successes have been thrilling; she is a unique talent leading the exciting world of Afrobeats,” a press release from Alexis Cueva of Amazon Music stated. “We are thrilled to support Ayra as she continues to receive international recognition and represent Nigeria’s music scene on a global scale, now that she has joined the Breakthrough family.”
Highlights from Starr’s The Year I Turned 21 included the songs “Commas,” “Last Heartbreak Song,” and “Goodbye (Warm Up).” Among the features were Asake, Anitta, Coco Jones, Giveon, and Seyi Vibez. It’s also important to remember that the project debuted on the Billboard 200 chart at position 195.
Fans and other musicians have been observing the young musician since their climb to prominence. Starr was informed by Rihanna, whom she first encountered at a FENTY x PUMA Creeper launch party in London, that she possesses a voice that is capable of seducing both men and women.
