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Ayra Starr ’21’
In 2022, young Beninese-Nigerian artist Ayra Starr launched to the anterior of the Afrobeats cipher. She had already made history the previous year with her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, as the single “Bloody Samaritan” made her the first solo female artist in Nigeria to reach and dominate the pinnacle of the TurnTable Top 50 chart.
After going viral on TikTok, “Rush” became the audible pulse of the Afrobeats genre, generating over 800 million streams worldwide and securing prestigious award nominations, including a Grammy, BET Award, Soul Train, and two MTV VMAs. Starr is now continuing to bask in her warm welcome to musical prominence with the debut of her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21.
Released on Friday, The Year I Turned 21 finds the singer in a comfortable range, blending Afrobeats and R&B with a splash of Latin pop. This fusion is supported by a strong roster of features, including fellow Afro powerhouses Asake and Seyi Vibez, R&B sensations Coco Jones and Giveon, and Brazilian pop star Anitta.
The album’s hit single, “Commas,” released in February, has exceeded 100 million streams to date, suggesting a favorable forthcoming project from the Naija “Sabi Girl.”
Ayra pays tribute to her label boss and Nigerian music icon Don Jazzy, as well as Afrobeats giant Wande Coal, on “Jazzy’s Song.” The track samples motifs from the 2009 Jazzy-produced Coal tune “You Bad” featuring D’banj.
As the album narrates Starr’s coming into full-fledged adulthood, she embraces her unapologetic femininity in “Woman Commando” featuring Anitta and Coco Jones, showcasing her pro-woman camaraderie and profound self-assurance.
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“Goodbye (Warm Up)” is a tale of freedom from a toxic bond, with Asake positioned as the responder. Meanwhile, on “Bad Vibez,” Starr performs a nearly three-minute affirmation of positive energy alongside the Afro-bars of Seyi Vibez.
“This is a coming-of-age story. The rollercoaster of emotions and genres intertwined tells the story of a 21-year-old African girl and superstar,” Starr expressed in a statement. “Twenty one isn’t just an age, it’s a moment of change in your life. A time of necessary growth, hurt, realizing your power… love. Not everybody’s ‘21’ happens at 21. Whenever it is for you; learn from it, feel through it… that’s what matters.”
The album also features a surprise appearance by Starr’s brother, Milar, on the song “1942,” where they chant reflective thoughts about their journey to victory and the luxurious celebration of their relentless drive.
Starr stands her ground against a nonreciprocal lover in “Last Heartbreak Song,” with Giveon attempting a smooth reconciliation. Meanwhile, in “Rhythm & Blues” and “Lagos Love Story,” we witness the Nigerian songstress embracing her sensuality, a signature attribute of Starr. She gets swaying on “Control,” a jingle dedicated to moments of innocent frolic and a homage to one of her favorite songs, Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.”
Touching on themes of grief, adversity, and healing, and featuring touching voice notes from her dear family members, “The Kids Are Alright” is an ode to Starr’s late father. In this song, she assures his soul of the well-being of their family members and honors his legacy.
In an interview with Nadeska on Apple Music, Starr revealed that she experienced a six-month period of writer’s block. During this time, her friend, Mason “Maesu” Tanner, provided significant assistance by producing the demo of 21 for her, which he subsequently presented as a birthday gift.
“I got the demo of 21 from my friend Maesu as a birthday gift the day I turned 21,” she said. “I told him that it has been so hard. I had 6 months of writer’s block.”
Starr is coming off headlining in Paris with Post Malone and RaiNao at Visa Live at le Louvre. Earlier this year, she was stationed as one of the opening acts for Chris Brown’s 2024 North American tour and is set to embark on her Glastonbury Festival debut later this month, joining a prestigious roster of Nigerian acts that have graced the stage, including Fela Kuti, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
The Grammy-nominated singer made history earlier this year as the first Nigerian female artist to reach 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify, thanks to her feature on Rauw Alejandro and Rvssian’s “Santa.” Starr’s multiple chart-topping hits suggest an extensive and propitious career in the music industry.
Starr, among the most promising Afrobeats acts to effortlessly hone global appeal, is set to perform at the 2024 Essence Festival of Culture taking place in New Orleans next month. 2024 is a towering year for Ayra Starr as she takes on the second phase of her primetime. 21 is a faithful testament to the effectiveness of Starr’s refined creative reach.