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Ayra Starr explains stage name, Don Jazzy’s input
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr shared the inspiration behind her stage name, revealing that it was partly the idea of her record label boss, Don Jazzy.
Ayra Starr explained that she came up with the name “Ayra,” and Don Jazzy added the suffix “Starr.” Before signing with Mavin Records, she was known as “Oyin,” a nickname derived from her first name, Oyinkansola.
The collaborative effort in crafting her stage name exemplifies the creative partnership between artists and their labels, reflecting the influence and input of industry veterans like Don Jazzy in shaping the identities of emerging talents.
Speaking in a special Christmas interview with Arise TV, the singer said: “There is this Yoruba name called Ira, I wanted people to pronounce it as ‘Aira.’ And I was like, the only way they can pronounce it is by spelling it ‘A Y R A.’ So, I was thinking about it and something just told me to go ‘A Y R A.’ And when I did, everything just came together: The meaning of the name, it felt like God was speaking to me.
“And ‘Starr’ was Don Jazzy’s idea. Ayra means ‘woke and open minded.’ And that’s what I want. I want to be honoured and respected.”