By Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-Ojo
Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has revealed her ambitious global aspirations, including a top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Grammy Awards, and also headlining the Super Bowl halftime show.
The 23-year-old, who rose to international fame with her hit single Rush, shared her dreams, outlining a future that includes global tours, major accolades, and her lifestyle brand.
“I definitely want a top Hot 100 Billboard song. That’s a must. I have to have that. I want Grammys upon Grammys. I’m going to tour the world. I feel like I’ve done that, but I want to be able to tour Asia.
“I want a number one record in the world. To be honest, just taking over. I’m already doing that, but I want to do it on a much grander scale. 10 years from now, I want to do my own Super Bowl.
“Twenty years from now, I want to have my own brand—even before then—but I want it to be a household name. Either in fashion, makeup, or beauty, skincare, or something fun. I just want to be able to do something fun and enjoy it,” the Mavin star said on eTalk.
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, is already well on her way. In early 2024, she made history as the youngest and first Nigerian female artiste to be nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards for her global hit Rush, contesting in the coveted category with the likes of Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, and Olamide.
Although South Africa’s Tyla eventually won the category with her hit track, Water, the milestone secured Ayra’s place among the continent’s rising music acts. Still, according to the teenage star, her aspirations go far beyond.
“People always say, ‘Afrobeats to the world,’ but I want more. America is a big part of that, yes, but I want to be big everywhere.
“I want to try different sounds and work with different people. If the music is good, you’ll find me there,” the Beninese singer said.
The 23-year-old’s global ambitions have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Ayra met her musical idol Rihanna at a Fenty Beauty event, sparking a friendship that saw the two make headlines later that year at Barbados’ Crop Over festival in coordinated outfits. Ayra described the experiences as surreal.
“People always say, ‘Never meet your idols.’ But I’m so glad I met mine because she’s just an amazing person,” the award-winning singer said. She added, “The fact that she loves my music? What? My favourite artist is my favourite artist’s favourite artist. That’s crazy, you know?
“She’s such an amazing artist, an amazing woman, an amazing person in general. Just somebody to look up to. I know I chose a great role model.
While no musical collaboration with Rihanna has been confirmed, the 2025 BET’s Best International Act winner remains hopeful, revealing she has dreamt of working with the pop icon since she was ten.
“Maybe! I’ve been saying since I was 10 years old that I want to work with Rihanna. So, God is about to do His big one. Amen,” she said.
