Afropop sensation Ayra Starr stars in the latest issue of Dazed, the British lifestyle magazine.
In the interview, she discusses her music, sharing insights into her childhood, personal style, and the evolution of her songwriting journey.
Ayra Starr, born in Cotonou, Benin, experienced her parents' separation at a young age. She spent her childhood moving between Benin, Lagos, and Abuja in Nigeria, attending five different secondary schools. She lived with her aunt and older sister in her mother's home—“three strong women.” In her father’s household, she took on a maternal role, managing responsibilities like cooking and ensuring her siblings were cared for. “I’ve always been in charge of my siblings because I’m African and I’m a woman… As long as you’re a girl, you’re in charge of everybody, so even as a middle child I was in charge,” she says.
These domestic duties made it challenging for Starr to enjoy her success at first. Growing up, the loss of her father was a significant and emotional experience for her, leading to a heartfelt tribute at the end of her album. The song, which includes voice notes from her family, was written just days before the album’s release and serves as her way of coping with grief.
“The secret to music is that it’s universal,” says Starr as she reflects on her journey so far. It makes me think about the pidgin verses she frequently matches with trap beats – an ode to her motherland, and her genre-fluid approach to art. “It’s never about the language,” she says. “Language is important, but when good music is good music, you can’t run away from it.”
Read the full interview HERE.
