Updated: March 23, 2026
Name: Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe
Date of Birth: June 14, 2002 (age 23)
Origin: Cotonou, Bénin
Gender: Female
Height (cm): 163
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Model
Genres: Afropop, R&B, Afrobeats
Biography & Career:
Ayra Starr is a Nigerian artist, singer, and songwriter whose bold sound has made her one of the most exciting voices in modern Afrobeats and R&B. The biography of this rising star begins in Cotonou, Bénin, where Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born and raised between Cotonou and Lagos, Nigeria, in a multilingual, music-loving household. Both parents are Nigerian of Yoruba heritage from Kwara State, and the mother — a former singer — was instrumental in nurturing musical talent from a young age. The father passed away in 2018, but the mother remained a pillar of support, raising five children as a single parent.
Ayra Starr is the second of five siblings: older brother Dami — a guitarist, producer, and songwriter who co-wrote many of the artist's biggest hits — younger brother Ade, and two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutunmise. At age ten, the future star joined a school choir and began writing songs with Dami. By 16, a modeling career launched through Quove Models in Lagos, but music always remained the true calling. In 2019, original tracks posted on Instagram caught the attention of legendary producer Don Jazzy, who signed the young talent to Mavin Records.
The self-titled debut EP arrived in January 2021, topping Nigeria's iTunes and Apple Music charts. The debut studio album 19 & Dangerous followed in August 2021, blending Afropop, R&B, and alte music genre influences. The lead single Bloody Samaritan became the first solo song by a female artist to reach No. 1 on Nigeria's TurnTable Top 50. International breakthrough came in 2022 with Rush — a track that charted across Europe and the UK, earning a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance. A second Grammy nomination followed for Gimme Dat with Wizkid at the 2026 ceremony. Additional nominations include BET Awards, MOBO Awards, and multiple Headies Awards.
The second album, The Year I Turned 21, was released in 2024, debuting at No. 1 on the Nigerian Albums Chart and entering the Billboard 200 — a first for a Nigerian female artist. Pitchfork described it as "a bold and reflective work that redefines modern Afropop." By mid-2025, an international management deal with Jay-Z's Roc Nation was signed. Live concert appearances at major festivals — including Kenya and across Africa — continue to showcase an electric stage presence. There is no husband — as of 2026, the artist is not married and has no children. Ethnicity is Yoruba Nigerian, religion is Christianity, and place of birth is Cotonou, Bénin. There is no verified information regarding net worth, though estimates range between $1 million and $3 million.
Ayra Starr Best Songs:
Rush
Bloody Samaritan
Sability
Away
Last Heartbreak Song
Rhythm & Blues
Woman Commando
Fashion Killer
Whatever She Wants
21
Ayra Starr Albums:
Ayra Starr (EP)
19 & Dangerous
The Year I Turned 21
