Ayra Starr made this known while speaking with Love Island USA star Chelley Bissainthe during a Billboard interview about her nomination for the 2026 Grammy.

While tagging it a moment of reassurance in her career, Ayra Starr said, “I am very grateful that I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee. The first time I was nominated, it was like, “Oh my God, I got nominated.”

“But the second time, I was like, maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more. I have collaborated with many people, and I still want to collaborate with more people. But everyone knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with”, she said.

The songstress earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance for ‘Gimme Dat’ with Wizkid, released in April 2025.

The nominations were announced in November 2025 ahead of the February 1, 2026, Grammy Awards ceremony.

Reacting to the recognition, the singer described the nomination as a reassuring moment in her career.

Held on November 14 and 15 under the theme “The Wild Card,” this year’s festival offered a vibrant mix of Afrobeats, highlife, and electronic sounds.

The beachfront came alive as revelers in colourful beachwear and neon-themed outfits arrived from midday, energized by early DJ sets from local acts including DJ Casper Sandra.

A strong lineup of performers kept the crowd roaring throughout the two-day event. Moliy, Darko Vibes, Olive The Boy, GonaBoy, Kweku Smoke, and Gyakie wowed fans with back-to-back hits, while Ghanaian star Black Sherif took the main stage around 5 PM, delivering powerful renditions of “Kwaku the Traveller” and “Second Sermon” that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr closed the festival as the headline act, delivering a dynamic set that cemented Tidal Rave 2025 as one of the most unforgettable editions yet.

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A post shared by Celebrityblogger🇬🇭 (@celebrityblogger__)

This marks the first time a major non-Ghanaian artist will take the stage at the festival, signalling what organisers, EchoHouse, describe as a bold reinvention for the “Wild Card” edition.

The “Hot Body” hitmaker will join a stellar lineup of Ghanaian stars, including Black Sherif, Moliy, and Gyakie, promising an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.

A Wild Weekend Ahead

Celebrating its 13th year, Tidal Rave Festival is expanding from a one-day event into a two-day cultural experience. The festival will run on 14 and 15 November at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

Festivities kick off on Friday, 14 November, with an invite-only pre-party powered by Johnnie Walker, followed by the main event on Saturday, 15 November, featuring a full day of music, fashion, food, and culture. Top DJs, MCs, and artists will deliver electrifying performances, with Ayra Starr as one of the main highlights.

Culture Currents Take the Spotlight

Tidal Rave Festival has grown into a major African youth cultural movement, going beyond music. This year introduces “Culture Currents,” a specially curated team of creatives shaping the festival experience from within.

“Over the years, Tidal Rave has delivered the ultimate rave experience. But this year, for the first time, the spotlight shifts to Culture Currents, a team of top industry specialists,” said Awo Ampadu Somuah, Event Director of Tidal Rave Festival.

The team includes Lisa Quama, Ato Sekyi, Rev Erskine, Samuella Graham, Ellen Osabutey, Makafui Awuku (McKingtorch Africa), Kojo Junior, and Joewackle. Together, they bring fresh perspectives on fashion, food, dance, storytelling, and environmental sustainability to deliver a festival experience that goes far beyond the music.

An Experience Beyond the Stage

This edition transforms the beach into a playground of experiences. Festival-goers can explore the Afro Exchange by Johnnie Walker, enjoy the Red Alert Experience by Absa Ghana, feel the rush at the Energy Zones by Red Bull, and celebrate culture through the Black Star Experience, an initiative of the Office of the President of Ghana.

Attendees will also have the chance to win exciting prizes in “The Luckiest Raffle,” where organisers promise surprises as wild as the festival itself.

The rumours, which gained traction on social media, claimed that the Nigerian singer was barred from having a boyfriend, getting married, or becoming a mother while under Jay-Z’s management imprint.

The bizarre claim sparked debate among fans and industry watchers.

However, the fast-rising singer subtly debunked the rumour with a sarcastic response on social media.

Reacting to a podcast where the issue was being discussed, she tweeted, “Does Ayra Starr know about this?”

Her response made it clear she was unaware of any such restriction, implying the so-called clause was entirely fabricated.

Ayra Starr, who joined Roc Nation as part of efforts to globalise Afrobeats, has made headlines for her music and bold style—not for contractual controversies.

Her deal with the American label has been widely viewed as a significant milestone for African artists, especially women in the genre.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/bet-2025-ayra-starr-beats-blacko-rema-to-win-best-international-act/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:16:09 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2543312 Nigerian music star Ayra Starr was crowned Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, beating out tough competition from some of Africa’s brightest names, including Ghana’s very own Black Sherif.

The award show, held in style at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, saw Ayra Starr edge past artists like Tyla, Rema, Uncle Waffles, Joé Dwèt Filé, and MC Luanna to claim the coveted international trophy.

It was a landmark night for her—her first-ever BET award—and a big moment for Afrobeats on the global stage.

Meanwhile, Black Sherif may not have taken home the award, but his presence was undeniably felt.

He graced the red carpet in his signature vintage style, radiating confidence and humility.

Interestingly, when asked who he thought would win, Blacko had already tipped Ayra Starr to grab it—and he was right.

Fans back home in Ghana took to social media to express their pride in how far he’s come. After all, it’s not just about winning; it’s about being in the room, on the stage, on the radar.

Black Sherif is no stranger to the BET spotlight. He won Best International Flow at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, making history for Ghana and placing the country firmly on the global music map.

Though this year’s award slipped past him, the love and recognition he continues to attract are proof that Blacko is still winning.

The fantasy epic, set in a mystical African kingdom, follows a young warrior’s quest to restore magic and overthrow a tyrannical monarchy.

She will star alongside Hollywood icons Viola Davis, Idris Elba, and Cynthia Erivo.

Produced by Lucasfilm, the movie is currently in production and is slated for release in 2027.

Fans are excited to see the Afrobeats sensation transition into acting in what promises to be a visually stunning film.

The talented artist also secured the Best International Music Act award, further cementing her global influence.

The awards ceremony, held in Newcastle, saw Ayra Starr triumph over fellow Nigerian stars Asake and Tems, as well as South African sensation Tyla, to claim the Best African Music Act title.

In the Best International Act category, she beat an impressive lineup of global heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.

A visibly emotional Ayra Starr took the stage to receive her award, expressing gratitude to her fans, team, and record label. She described the moment as surreal, admitting that she was shaking with excitement.

It was her first appearance at the MOBO Awards and her first-ever set of awards.

Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African Music at the highest level! 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/cm5wzUPpyh

— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 19, 2025

The official MOBO Awards X (Twitter) account celebrated her achievement, calling her a global star and an unstoppable force representing African music on the world stage.

Hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, the event honored the best of Black music and culture across various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and Afrobeats.

Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards remain one of the most prestigious platforms recognizing excellence in Black-origin music. Ayra Starr’s historic win marks a significant moment for female artists in the African music industry.

A special moment for @ayrastarr as she come off stage after winning Best African Music Act #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/73w8kBZsmc

— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 18, 2025

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/fame-is-tough-so-i-disappear-when-it-gets-overwhelming-ayra-starr/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:20:48 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2470991 Nigerian songstress Ayra Starr recently shared her experiences navigating fame and the pressures of the music industry in an intimate conversation with American singer and actress Coco Jones.

In a chat produced by Rolling Stone, the two stars discussed the realities of being women in the limelight, shedding light on the often unseen challenges that come with their careers.

Reflecting on her journey, Ayra Starr opened up about the relentless demands of her work. “I feel like it’s always a lot,” she admitted. “People only see about 1%, but for an artist, it takes a village. It takes so much to get things done right.”

She described the toll her hectic schedule takes, especially after a whirlwind year of performing. “I did so many shows last year… sometimes I disappear when it gets overwhelming,” she said, acknowledging her need to retreat and recharge.

Starr explained that despite her rising fame, she still lives with her family, which keeps her grounded. “When I go back home, I’m still living with my family. My brothers might be making noise and playing video games, so the house is still very much full,” she noted, adding that being close to her loved ones helps her cope with the pressures of fame.

Emphasizing her connection to her roots, she revealed that she seeks out Nigerian food wherever she travels, as it provides a sense of comfort and happiness. Ayra also spoke about her creative journey, sharing how, despite the industry’s noise, she stays true to her artistic vision.

“I definitely listen to close people around me, but I know what I want creatively,” she said. “I’ve always had the freedom to create whatever kind of music I wanted.”

Despite her reputation as a lover girl and her evocative love-themed music, the ‘Rush’ hitmaker disclosed that she has never actually experienced being in love.

During the conversation, Ayra Starr explained that the lyrics in all her romantic songs are just a figment of her imagination, rather than a reflection of her own experiences.

Nonetheless, she expressed her desire to explore the world of love, something that has so far eluded her.

While many might assume that a young star like Ayra Starr would have had her share of romantic experiences, she revealed otherwise.

“I am a lover girl deep in my heart, I’m just very strong-headed about it. I actually have never been in love. I have been in certain situations—not situationships!—but I have never been in a fully committed relationship,” she confessed.

She explained that she has been working tirelessly since she was 15 years old—juggling a modeling career, university, and now her burgeoning music career, leaving no room for romantic pursuits.

The Crop Over festival, a traditional harvest celebration, runs from June to early August and culminates in the vibrant Kadooment Day parade, showcasing Barbadian music, arts, food, and culture.

In a recent video, Starr and Rihanna dazzled in intricately adorned bodysuits with elaborate feathery headpieces and oversized wings.

The two stars were seen engaging warmly, sharing a hug, and enjoying the festivities together.

Rihanna had previously expressed a desire to collaborate with Ayra Starr following their meeting at the Fenty X Puma party in London this April.

Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, gained widespread acclaim with her 2021 hit “Bloody Samaritan” and has continued to rise in prominence under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.

Rihanna, whose debut album “Music Of The Sun” was released in 2005, is celebrated for her extensive music career, which includes eight studio albums and numerous awards.

Beyond her music career, Rihanna is also known for her humanitarian efforts, entrepreneurship, acting, and fashion modeling.

Source: vanguardngr  

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Fresh off her electrifying performance at a Coldplay concert, Ayra Starr was seen meeting Will Smith at a chic rooftop location.

Sporting a daring crop top and shorts, Ayra shared a warm embrace with Will and her joy palpable as they finally connected.

The night wasn’t just about casual mingling; Ayra Starr has bagged a monumental multimillion-dollar deal to provide the soundtrack for Will Smith’s upcoming film, netting her over $500,000.

This significant deal marks a massive milestone in Ayra Starr’s career.

Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the magic she and Will Smith will create together.

Watch video below:

What a night! Ayra Starr x Will Smith 🤩🤩🤩 pic.twitter.com/Ta7jtMDIWo

— Ayra Starr Central (@ayrastarr360) July 16, 2024

The 21-year-old artiste turned heads with a daring blue dress that featured a revealing thigh cut, drawing both praise and criticism.

While the event was intended to showcase her latest musical work, Ayra Starr’s bold fashion statement became the focal point for many attendees and fans.

Photographs of her in the striking outfit quickly circulated on social media, igniting a flurry of comments.

Some attendees and fans praised her for her flair and confidence with which she embodies her identity as a ‘Gen Z baddie’.

However, others expressed discomfort and unease, feeling that the outfit was too revealing for the occasion.

there's no rag Ayra Starr cannot wear..sabi girl no dey too like cloth pic.twitter.com/oNQXguo0Rw

— Communicator (@__communicator_) May 23, 2024

In a recent interview with Kiss FM in the UK, Savage revealed that she is “obsessed” with the young Afrobeats sensation, praising her talent and authenticity.

Savage addressed the criticism Ayra Starr has faced for her short skirts, encouraging the rising star to embrace her style even more.

“I love Ayra [Starr]. I’m obsessed with her. She’s amazing and genuine, too,” Savage stated. Reflecting on her own experiences, she added, “It makes me emotional because when I started, I got criticized a lot for dressing too sexy and my lyrics being too risky.”

Having faced similar backlash for her fashion choices early in her career, Savage stood firmly in support of Starr.

She suggested that the young singer should make her skirts even shorter, dismissing the critics’ disapproval. “So, seeing someone, Ayra now… If I see her wearing the short skirts as they [critics] say, I’m like, ‘Make it shorter,'” Savage remarked.

Despite the scrutiny, Ayra Starr continues to shine on the global music scene. Savage highlighted her resilience and exceptional talent, concluding, “And she looks amazing, she’s extremely talented. Yeah, she’s a star.”

Leading the pack of Nigerian nominees is the acclaimed singer Ayra Starr who secured three nominations in different categories.

Alongside her recognition in the Best New International Act category, she also received nods in the BET Her and Best International Act categories.

She is followed by Burna Boy with 2 nominations in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist categories.

However, he faces formidable competition from industry heavyweights such as Drake, Usher, Chris Brown, and Kendrick Lamar, among others.

Tems, another rising star from Nigeria, secured nominations in the Video Director of the Year and Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award categories.

Other Nigerian talents celebrated include Asake and Seyi Vibez, nominated for Best International Act and Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act, respectively.

The emerging Mavin Records sensation had the unforgettable opportunity to meet her idol, Rihanna, and their heartfelt exchange has stirred anticipation for a potential collaboration.

Ayra, visibly starstruck, wasted no time engaging in conversation with the Barbadian singer.

They discussed plans for future collaborations, with Rihanna expressing eagerness to work with both Ayra and Nigerian singer Tems.

The memorable encounter was captured in a series of photographs, which Ayra proudly shared on her social media platforms, further fueling excitement among fans.

Ayra managed to get hugs and kisses from Rihanna, and she was over the moon.

In a series of previous interviews, Ayra Starr has mentioned that her illustrious music career was motivated by Rihanna, and meeting her has always been an item on her bucket list.

Watch video below:

The songwriter says his admiration for the “Sability” hitmaker inspired him to compose the song.

Speaking on Luv FM, Olivetheboy revealed he and his team were searching for inspiration to compose a song when they heard Ayra’s song being played in the studio.

He was lampooned by his friends for his obsession with Ayra, but was swift to respond he wouldn’t have any bad raunchy experience with her.

“We were at the studio trying to find inspirations, instrumental inspirations and her song popped out. The boys started teasing, I tried to counter and I said Goodsin don’t worry it’s going to be a Goodsin,” he told host, Melvin the Enigma, on the Gift of Songs show.

Olivetheboy recounted his journey into songwriting became a serious pursuit for him because of his ex-lover.

He revealed although his parents, who were composers, introduced him to songwriting, his true inspiration was ignited after his high school romance.

The songwriter said the song he became known for on campus was entirely dedicated to his ex-girlfriend.

Olivetheboy said despite the heartache, she served as an unexpected muse, aiding in his artistic growth.

“Even though she broke my heart, she really helped,” he said.

According to him, he felt torn because she made him face a tough choice between his music and academic pursuits.

The young artiste added that he likes to “steal” from various cultures and languages when composing songs because his goal is to create a record with an international appeal.

“I like stealing from other places and languages because of the global record my team and I are trying to make. I copy a few things from people,’’ he said.

The songwriter is expected to release his new album later this year, featuring other artists from Ghana, Uganda, and Nigeria.

The category was included in the 2023 MTV EMA nomination list, which was made public on Wednesday, September 4th.

Nigerian musicians Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr and French sensation Aya Nakamura are the category’s inaugural candidates.

Also, Rema’s collaborative hit track ‘Calm Down’ with America’s Selena Gomez was nominated in the ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ categories.

Meanwhile, Burna Boy, Asake, Tanzanian star, Diamond Platnumz, Cameroonian diva, Libianca, and South Africa’s Tyler ICU were nominated in the ‘Best African Act’ category.

Burna Boy was also nominated in “Best Live Performer” alongside Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye), and others.

American singer, Taylor Swift led all nominees for the 2023 MTV EMAs with seven nods including; ‘Best Artist’, ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Video’, the latter for her single ‘Anti-Hero.’

The 2023 MTV EMAs is scheduled for November 5, 2023, in Paris, France and will be broadcast live to more than 150 countries.

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The Bloody Samaritan hitmaker graced the stage of the annual music festival to thrill patrons on Wednesday, December 28.

But Ayra Starr, who is also full of energy, fell on her butt while moving back and forth on the stage during her performance.

In order not to disappoint the scores of music lovers who were present, the singer quickly made it back onto her feet to continue her performance amidst shock and surprise on many faces.

Wake up in the morning ??? pic.twitter.com/4ACr2D32Uq

— Confidence (@ICTFiducia1) December 29, 2022

She, however, took to social media later to speak about the fall, describing it as painful and unnecessary and asked them to clean their stage after every performance.

In subsequent posts, she made fun of the incident, generating hilarious reactions from her teeming fans.

I just hope my crush never sees that video of me falling ???

— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) December 29, 2022