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We need to stick together as Afrobeats artists & continue with our sound – Ayra Starr
In an interview with ELLE Magazine, Nigerian international sensation Ayra Starr discusses her journey as an Afrobeats superstar and her forthcoming second album.
Regarding the concern that Afrobeats might lose its originality due to international collaborations and its growing global appeal, Ayra Starr asserts that as long as Afrobeats artists remain united and continue to promote the genre, it will continue to flourish.
“It’s not fair at all. People want to put negativity on Afrobeats because it has become so mainstream. The generations of African artists who worked to this extent for people like me to be able to be global with this sound worked for this. The genre’s not being diluted, it’s becoming mainstream. People are going to want to try things and do their own versions of things.
The key is that when we stick together as Afrobeats artists and continue with our sound; it can never be diluted. Nobody is ever going to be able to do it like us. That’s just the truth and it’s a beautiful thing to see and lovely to hear,“ Ayra Starr tells Tariro Mzezewa of ELLE Magazine.
When asked about her distinctive sound within the Afrobeats space, Ayra Starr credits her unique voice and her willingness to explore different sonic possibilities.
“It’s my voice. I’ve opened myself up to so many possibilities when it comes to sound because I don’t like to hold myself in a box. I’m a very proud Afrobeats artist, but I am in different spaces and different genres, from the Spanish world to David Guetta dance music. One thing that has been very consistent in every aspect is my voice. It isn’t just a voice, it’s my sound, and it’s distinctive from the first ‘yeah, yeah’ you hear in my songs. Just that and people feel good. I don’t want to be bragging!”
Ayra Starr is set to release her second album, titled ‘The Year I Turned 21′. When asked what listeners can expect from the album, the Grammy nominee promised a positive and exceptional experience.
“A roller coaster of emotion, but in a way that is masterful and euphoric. Don’t expect any one thing. Instead, expect different genres intertwined into one. Expect to have a great time, to walk away with a positive feeling. Expect greatness.”
Ayra Starr’s sophomore album is scheduled for release on May 31, 2024, featuring guest appearances from Asake, Seyi Vibez, Giveon, Coco Jones, Aniita, and her brother Milar.
Ayra Starr’s full interview with ELLE Magazine is here.