Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe (; born 14 June 2002), known professionally as Ayra Starr ( EYE-rə-star), is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She achieved international recognition in 2022 with the release of her song "Rush" which charted in several countries, including Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The song earned Starr a nomination for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.
In early 2021, she released her self-titled debut EP and its lead single, "Away". Her debut EP was followed by the release of her debut studio album, 19 & Dangerous (2021). The album appeared in year-end lists by publications such as NativeMag. The lead single, "Bloody Samaritan," became the first song by a solo female artist to reach the No. 1 position in the Top 50 charts. In August of that same year, Starr was ranked No. 3 on Billboard's Next Big Sound.
In 2024, Starr released her second album, The Year I Turned 21.
Early life
Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born in Bénin and raised in Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria. She is of Nigerian and Yoruba heritage, with both parents from Kwara State. She is multilingual, knowing Yoruba, French, English, and Nigerian Pidgin.
She is the second of five children. She and her older brother, Dami, played music together during their childhood.
