Ayra Starr Biography: Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe

May 6, 2025 by NobleProfiles

Full Name: Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
Stage Name: Ayra Starr
Date of Birth: June 14, 2002
Age: 22 years (as of 2024)
Place of Birth: Cotonou, Benin Republic, West Africa
Nationality: Nigerian, Beninese
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Model
Nicknames: Celestial Being, Sabi Girl
Genres: Afropop, R&B, Afro-fusion
Record Label: Mavin Records

Table of Contents

Who is Ayra Starr?

Ayra Starr, born Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe on June 14, 2002, is a Nigerian-born Afropop and R&B sensation known for her captivating vocals, bold fashion, and genre-blending music. Fondly called the “Celestial Being” and “Sabi Girl”, Ayra Starr is one of the fastest-rising female stars in African music today.

Since her breakout in 2021 under Mavin Records, she has become an international music icon, topping charts with hits like “Away,” “Bloody Samaritan,” “Rush,” and her 2024 Billboard debut album “The Year I Turned 21.”

Early Life and Background – Before the Fame

Ayra Starr was born in Cotonou, Benin Republic, but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She was raised in a close-knit family with four siblings: two brothers (Ade and Dami) and two sisters (Tolulope and Jesutumise). Her father, a businessman from Kwara State, passed away while she was young. Her mother, from Delta State, was a full-time homemaker and a significant influence in Ayra’s life.

Due to her father’s profession, Ayra’s family often relocated between Nigeria and Benin Republic, leading her to struggle with stability and identity during her school years. Despite this, she found peace in music, writing songs with her brother Dami and performing in church choirs from age 10.

She later earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Political Science from Les Cours Sonou University, balancing her academic pursuits with her growing musical passion.

Career – From Teenage Model to Global Music Star

Ayra Starr’s journey into the entertainment world began as a model in 2018, working with brands like Mazelle Studio, Esperanza Woman, and Fashionably Yours Africa. Her music career took off when she began uploading song covers and original freestyles on Instagram, catching the attention of Don Jazzy, who signed her to Mavin Records in 2019.

Key Milestones in Ayra Starr’s Career:

2021 – Released her self-titled debut EP, featuring the hit “Away”, which earned massive airplay and introduced her unique sound to the world.
2021 – Dropped her debut studio album “19 & Dangerous”, with standout tracks like:
- “Bloody Samaritan” – the first solo song by a Nigerian female artist to top the TurnTable Top 50.
- “Fashion Killer” – a stylish anthem that showcased her bold fashion sense.
2022 – Released “Rush”, a global breakout hit that charted in the UK, US, and across Africa, earning her a Grammy nomination and global accolades.
2024 – Made history with her second album “The Year I Turned 21”, becoming the first Nigerian female artist to chart on the Billboard 200.

Ayra’s music mixes Afropop, R&B, and soulful rhythms, sung in English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba, resonating with fans worldwide. She frequently touches on themes of empowerment, love, resilience, and identity.

Personal Life and Family

Ayra Starr comes from a supportive and creative household. She’s especially close to her siblings, and her late father’s death deeply shaped her emotional expression through music.

Though she keeps her romantic life private, she once hinted at having a boyfriend but chooses to maintain boundaries between her personal and public life. In 2021, she bought her mother and family a home in Lagos, a testament to her love and gratitude.

Controversies and Public Stance

Ayra Starr has embraced her role as a progressive and inclusive voice in African music. In 2022, she made headlines by openly supporting LGBTQ+ fans during a concert in Brazil, where she waved a rainbow flag. This act received both praise and criticism in Nigeria, where LGBTQ+ issues remain sensitive.

Despite the controversy, Ayra maintains that her music is for everyone, standing by her message of inclusion and empowerment.

Brand Endorsements and Media Appearances

Ayra Starr’s commercial appeal goes beyond music. She has secured endorsement deals and magazine features including:

Pepsi Nigeria Brand Ambassador – (2021)
Featured in ODDA Magazine, Accelerate TV, and Notion Magazine
Regular face of Afrocentric fashion campaigns and luxury brand lookbooks.

Social Media Presence

Ayra Starr is a digital powerhouse with millions of loyal followers:

TikTok: @ayrastarr – 6.7M followers | 78.7M Likes
Instagram: @ayrastarr – 6M followers
Facebook: Ayra Starr – Over 136K page likes
YouTube: Ayra Starr – Over 100 million views in under 5 months

She regularly engages fans with behind-the-scenes content, fashion, music previews, and her fun “Sabi Girl” lifestyle.

Ayra Starr’s Net Worth and Luxury Lifestyle

As of 2024, Ayra Starr’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million. Her income streams include:

Music streaming revenue (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Boomplay)
Performance fees from concerts and global tours
Brand endorsements (Pepsi, fashion houses, etc.)
Royalties and licensing deals
YouTube monetization and TikTok collaborations

Ayra has been spotted driving luxury vehicles, including a Range Rover and a Mercedes Benz GLE 350 valued between $40,000 and $56,000. She also owns multiple properties in Lagos, including homes for her family.

Ayra Starr’s Influence and Legacy

Ayra Starr has become a global symbol of African youth culture. She shares the spotlight with contemporaries like Tems, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Omah Lay, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, but continues to carve out her own unique path.

She’s more than just a pop star – Ayra Starr represents the next generation of bold, independent African creatives breaking boundaries across music, fashion, and activism.

Where to Listen and Watch Ayra Starr’s Music

Fans can stream or download Ayra Starr’s latest music, albums, and videos on:

Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube
Audiomack
Boomplay
Amazon Music

Her discography includes:

Ayra Starr EP (2021)
19 & Dangerous (2021)
The Year I Turned 21 (2024)

Conclusion

From her humble beginnings in Cotonou to conquering international charts, Ayra Starr’s story is a blueprint of hard work, talent, and authenticity. Her fearless expression, artistic evolution, and bold voice make her one of the most influential African female artists of her generation.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her music, Ayra Starr is more than a singer — she’s a movement, a fashion icon, and a symbol of modern African excellence.