The journey to global superstardom takes patience, dedication, and giving yourself grace as Ayra Starr would say. Amazon Music’s breakthrough star and fresh off a 2024 Grammy nomination, the African popstar is bringing mini skirts, Nigerian Pidgin, Yoruba, and the people of Cotonou to the forefront of the world stage.
On a Tuesday night in Culver City, Amazon Music hosted a private screening of its newest short film, Ayra Starr: Dare to Dream, produced by HOMECOMING. The screening was followed by a quick Q&A.
As a child, Starr wanted to become the “Black Hannah Montana.” However, after watching the short documentary and hearing her story in her own words, I have to say she exudes a natural charm and ambition that I believe will catapult her beyond her expectations of being a fictional Disney pop star. Albeit, Miley Cyrus status is something to aim for, and she definitley has the talent and charisma.
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Self-proclaimed as “just a girl,” Ayra is much more than that. She’s a singer, a songwriter, a daughter, a sister, a fashionista, an aspiring actress, and, most importantly, a role model. Starr’s documentary details her drive to stay authentic, her signing to Mavin Records, the importance of family and self-sustainability, and her mission to incorporate her native language into her music.
“English is my first language, but I am not English. I’m a Nigerian girl. And the whole world is trying to sing in English. And I get what the mission is, but at the same time, I want to become a global superstar from Africa and it is very important, it is very key for me to show off my culture to the world and if that means mixing English with some of my language in a way that even white people are singing in Pidgin then I’ve done something great.” ~ Ayra Starr
The 23-minute documentary is out now and available to stream. Check it out for an intimate look into the journey of one of Afrobeats’ rising stars.
Words & Photos By Asha Moné
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