How old is Ayra Starr? Nigerian singer opens up about wanting to be a "teenage superstar" after her new album The Year I Turned 21 drops

Nigerian singer-lyricist Ayra Starr released her second studio album, The Year I Turned 21, on Friday, May 31, 2024. Following the release, the singer spoke to Billboard about her journey, her new album, and who she looked up to for inspiration.

Speaking about which singer she looked up to as a young African aspiring singer, Starr mentioned Rihanna and revealed that she did not have many people to look up to. The singer also mentioned wanting to be a “teenage superstar” for her generation.

“I feel like Rihanna was the closest thing to that [being an inspiration], because I didn’t have a lot of representation. And I wanted to be that for my generation. I remember being like, “I want to be a teenage superstar.” As a teenage superstar, I can have young girls looking up to me,” she told Billboard.

The singer further mentioned that it was important for her to be a teenage African superstar. She revealed that she wanted to be “the Black Hannah Montana” following the release of her first album.

“[It] was literally a flex when I named my first album 19 & Dangerous. It was very key for me to be a teenage superstar. It was very key to represent a teenage African girl. I wanted to become the Black Hannah Montana from Lagos, Nigeria.”

Ayra Starr is currently 21 years old and is set to turn 22 next month on June 14. Her birth name was Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe. In 2021, the singer released her first studio album, 19 & Dangerous.

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Ayra Starr mentions Shakira and Beyonce among artists she admired in her growing years

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In her interview with Billboard, Ayra Starr revealed the artists she grew up listening to. The singer mentioned that some of her favorite singers are Beyonce, Rihanna, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, and Drake.

Starr also revealed that she was a “Disney girl,” making her love for the character Hannah Montana, played by Miley Cyrus, evident.

“Rihanna, definitely. Beyoncé, Shakira, Nicki Minaj, Drake. I was listening to a lot of 2face, D’banj, Wande Coal – those are like the pioneers of Afrobeats for me. Aṣa, Simi. I was a Disney girl, so I had all of the Disney songs downloaded on my phone, like Hannah Montana,” she said.

Speaking of the artists she’s currently listening to, Ayra mentioned Victoria Monet and Mk.Gee. She also mentioned Beyonce’s “new album,” supposedly referring to her latest release, Cowboy Carter.

“I’m listening to myself, obviously. Victoria Monét. mk.gee. His music gives me goosebumps, it’s just so beautiful. The new album is amazing. SZA. Beyoncé’s new album, too,” she said.

In her Billboard interview, Ayra Starr also spoke at length about the rewarding and challenging aspects of her career so far. The singer spoke about “being able to live her dream” of becoming a superstar as one of the most rewarding aspects of her professional life.

She also emphasized that it has always been her dream “since she was a child,” and improving herself and making money while living her dream is extremely rewarding.

Speaking of her challenges, Ayra Starr mentioned that “trusting the process and being patient with oneself” was challenging for her. She also had to learn to not care about what other people have to say, she revealed to Billboard.

“I’m already on the right path. But it has been challenging to just focus my energy on my own beliefs and my own ideologies.”

She is set to end her final days as a 21-year-old on a successful note, as she will join Chris Brown as one of the opening guests on the North American leg of his 11:11 tour.

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Ayra Starr reveals the songs from The Year I Turned 21 that she's most excited to perform

In her interview with Billboard, Ayra Starr was asked if she had any songs from her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, that she was most excited to perform on stage as an opening guest for Chris Brown's tour.

The singer mentioned that she could not wait to perform the track Goodbye (Warm Up). She also mentioned 21, Birds Sing of Money, and Last Heartbreak Song from the album.

"I can’t wait to perform “Goodbye (Warm Up).” I already have the choreography and everything. I can’t wait to be on stage. I can’t wait to perform “21” and “Birds Sing of Money,” “Last Heartbreak Song,” everything ahh! I feel like I’ve performed my last album for two years now — so it’s like, “Finally, new music!”

Revealing her future career goals, Starr mentioned that wants to "take over the entire universe." She said she wants to be the best performer she can be and collaborate with more people. The singer also hinted earlier in the interview that a collaboration with her inspiration Rihanna will happen "soon."