Ayra Starr Biography: Age, Networth, Boyfriend, Real Name, Parents & Career.

Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, better known in the music industry as Ayra Starr, is a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter. Born in the bustling city of Benin Republic, Ayra’s musical talents were nurtured and honed from a young age, leading her to achieve mainstream international recognition in 2022.

Her hit song, “Rush”, catapulted her to the top of the charts and solidified her place as a rising star in the world of music. With her soulful voice and captivating lyrics, Ayra continues to captivate audiences and cement her position as a professional musician.

Profile Overview

Full Name:	Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
Stage Name:	Ayra Starr
Born:	June 14, 2002
Age:	22 years old
Birthplace:	Cotonou, Benin Republic
Nationality:	Beninese-Nigerian
Occupation:	Singer, songwriter, fashion model
Height:	5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Parents:	Mr. Aderibigbe, Mrs. Aderibigbe
Siblings:	Ade, Dami Aderibigbe, Tolulope and Jesutunmise Aderibigbe
Spouse:	None
Children:	None
Relationship:	Single
Net Worth:	$500,000 and $2 million

Early Life and Education

Ayra Starr was born on June 14, 2002, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Nigerian parents from Kwara State. She grew up in a music-loving family, which sparked her interest in singing at a young age. Her family moved frequently due to her father’s business, making it challenging for her to form close friendships during her high school years in Lagos, Nigeria. 

At age 10, she began singing in her school choir and writing songs with her brother Dami, a guitarist and songwriter who significantly influenced her musical journey. Ayra faced bullying in school due to her age and appearance but found solace in music, particularly inspired by artists like Nicki Minaj. 

She attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science at the age of 18. Her mother, a former singer, consistently supported her musical ambitions, encouraging her to pursue a career in music after completing her education.

Career

Ayra Starr began her career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model at 16, signing with Quove Model Management in Lagos in 2018. She modeled for brands like Mazelle Studio, Complete Fashion Magazine, and Esperanza Woman. In 2019, she shifted focus to music, posting covers of songs by artists like 2Face Idibia and Andra Day on Instagram. 

Her original song “Damage,” shared in December 2019, caught the attention of Don Jazzy, leading to her signing with Mavin Records in 2020. In January 2021, she released her self-titled debut EP, Ayra Starr, with the lead single “Away” peaking at number four on Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart and number 17 on the Billboard Top Triller Global chart. 

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Her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, released in August 2021, blended Afropop and R&B, receiving critical acclaim and spawning hits like “Bloody Samaritan.” In 2022, her single “Rush” gained international success, charting in countries like Switzerland, Ireland, and the UK, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance in 2024. Ayra has collaborated with artists like Kelly Rowland, Wizkid, and CKay and is recognized as a fashion icon and a voice for young Africans.

Awards and Nominations

• Awards:
  
  
  • Headies Viewer’s Choice Award for “Bloody Samaritan” (2022)
    
    
  • Net Honours Breakout Artist of the Year (Female)
    
    
• Nominations:
  
  
  • Grammy Awards: Best African Music Performance for “Rush” (2024)
    
    
  • African Muzik Magazine Awards: Best Newcomer (2018)
    
    
  • The Headies: Multiple nominations, including Best R&B Single, Best Collaboration, Best Vocal Performance (Female), and Best Afrobeats Album
    
    
  • BET Awards: Nominated in 2023

Social Media

Instagram Handle: @ayrastarr

Facebook Handle: Ayra Starr

Twitter Handle: @ayrastarr

Is Ayra Starr in a Relationship?

Ayra Starr is single and not publicly in a relationship. Rumors linked her with fellow Mavin Records artist Rema, but she denied these during a radio interview, describing him as her “brother in Christ.” She has stated she is focused on her music career and keeps her personal life private.

Did Ayra Starr Go to University?

Yes, Ayra Starr attended Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Political Science at age 18.

Who Is Ayra Starr’s Boyfriend?

Ayra Starr has not publicly confirmed having a boyfriend. She remains private about her romantic life and has denied rumors of dating Rema, focusing primarily on her career.

What Is the Name of Ayra Starr’s Mother?

Ayra Starr’s mother is referred to as Mrs. Aderibigbe in available sources. Her first name is not publicly disclosed, but she is noted as a former singer who has been a strong supporter of Ayra’s musical career.

Personal Life

Ayra Starr is a practicing Christian from a Yoruba background, fluent in Yoruba and possibly French due to her upbringing in Cotonou. She lost her father in 2018, an event that deeply affected her and inspired some of her music, including tributes to him. She lives in Lagos with her mother and siblings, who are also involved in the entertainment industry: her brother Dami is a musician, Ade is a video producer, and Jesutunmise is a TikTok influencer.

Ayra is known for her bold fashion choices, often wearing crop tops and short skirts, which have sparked some criticism but align with her self-expressive style. She is passionate about philanthropy, aiming to support young talents, and has a pet dog named Max. Her authenticity and empowerment-focused music resonate strongly with Gen Z audiences.

Discography

• Albums:
  
  
  • 19 & Dangerous (2021)
    
    
  • The Year I Turned 21 (2024)
    
    
• EPs:
  
  
  • Ayra Starr (2021)
    
    
• Notable Singles:
  
  
  • “Away” (2021)
    
    
  • “Bloody Samaritan” (2021)
    
    
  • “Rush” (2022)
    
    
  • “Sability” (2023)
    
    
  • “Stability”
    
    
  • “Snitch” ft. Foushee
    
    
  • “Lonely Refix” ft. Zinoleesky
    
    
  • “Beggie Beggie” ft. CKay
    
    
  • “Bad Vibes” ft. Seyi Vibez
    
    
• Collaborations:
  
  
  • “In Sync” with Crayon (2021)
    
    
  • “Dangerous” with Cheque (2021)
    
    
  • “Gimme Dat” ft. Wizkid

Net Worth

Ayra Starr’s net worth is estimated to range between $500,000 and $2 million as of 2025, derived from music sales, streaming royalties (e.g., Spotify, Apple Music), modeling gigs, brand endorsements (e.g., Pepsi Nigeria), and performance fees ($40,000–$75,000 per show). Her wealth reflects her rapid rise in the Nigerian music industry and international recognition.

Conclusion

Ayra Starr’s journey from a young girl in Cotonou to a global Afrobeats sensation is a testament to her talent, resilience, and authenticity. With a supportive family, a degree from Les Cours Sonou University, and a strategic signing with Mavin Records, she has built a multifaceted career in music and fashion.

Her hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan” have earned her critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, while her vibrant social media presence connects her with millions of fans. Single and focused on her craft, Ayra continues to inspire with her empowering music and bold style. As she evolves, her influence in the global entertainment industry is set to grow, making her a true celestial being in Afrobeats.