In a recent interview with Hot 97 FM in New York City, Starr praised the trio for their contributions to the genre. She highlighted Savage as the pioneering female force, Wizkid as the embodiment of global success, and Rema for his innovative sounds that continue to push Afrobeats in new directions.
“My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3,” Starr said.
Notably, her selection excludes Davido and Burna Boy, who are often cited alongside Wizkid as part of the traditional Afrobeats Big 3.
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayra Starr has rapidly become one of the leading faces of the global Afrobeats movement. Since her debut in early 2021, she has transitioned from a viral social media sensation to a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated artist, establishing herself as a major force in the music industry.
Her 2022 hit “Rush” became a global anthem, accumulating over 300 million streams on Spotify and becoming the first solo song by a female Nigerian artist to chart on the UK Singles Chart.
She also earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, making her one of the youngest Nigerian female artists to receive the honour. Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21 (2024), marked the first time a female Nigerian artist debuted on the Billboard 200.
Starr, who refers to herself as a “Celestial Being”, has become a cultural icon for Africa’s youth. Known for her Y2K-inspired fashion, bold style, and unapologetic attitude, she seamlessly blends Afrobeats, R&B, Soul, and Alté in her music. Her versatile alto voice allows her to switch effortlessly between English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba.
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