Ayra Starr is the newest signing to Mavin Records, Africa’s leading record label – founded by Don Jazzy, who launched the careers of Tiwa Savage, Rema and D’Banj. The 19-year-old singer-songwriter and dancer was born in Benin and grew up between there and Lagos, raised on a diverse musical diet of artists ranging from Angelique Kidjo, 2Face, Rihanna, Beyoncé and Shakira.

Since debuting in January, Ayra Starr has amassed over 23 million global streams. Her self-titled debut EP was led by the single ‘Away’ which to date has clocked over 3.8 million views on YouTube. The video was noted for evoking the imagery of Joan of Arc and the Dahomey Amazons and sharp choreography recalling R&B icons Aaliyahand Ciara. The single was featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Africa 360 playlist and championed by Manny Norte who was first to spin it on UK radio via Capital Xtra. Jessie Reyez, Ray BLK and Love Island’s Yewande Biala are also fans.

On the day of the EP’s release, Ayra simultaneously hit No.1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Song, Album and Video charts. The incredible buzz coming out of Lagos saw her chosen by Apple Music as their Africa Rising artist – an exclusive new talent development programme that previously earmarked Temsand Amaarae.

Her music has since been covered and praised by the likes of The Face, COLORS, Music Week, The Native Mag, NOTION, HYPEBAE, CLASH, The Daily Star, The Line Of Best Fit, PAUSE Online, 1883 Magazine, Schon Magazine, OkayAfrica, ThatGrapeJuice, No Signal Radio and many others