Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy has lauded the exceptional talent of his protégé, Ayra Starr. The music mogul’s endorsement comes as the young artist continues to make waves in the Afrobeats genre, solidifying her position as one of Nigeria’s most promising musical exports.
On a balmy Lagos evening, the air thick with anticipation, Ayra Starr took to the stage at a packed venue, delivering a performance that would soon have the internet talking. Don Jazzy, known for his keen eye for talent, couldn’t contain his pride as he shared a video clip of the electrifying show with his millions of followers.
My artist wey too sabi,” Don Jazzy captioned the post, using Nigerian Pidgin to express his admiration for Ayra’s skill. The phrase, which loosely translates to “My artist who is too good,” encapsulates the industry veteran’s confidence in his signee’s abilities.
The comment section of Don Jazzy’s post quickly became a testament to Ayra Starr’s growing fanbase and industry respect. Notable figures from the entertainment world chimed in with their own praise:
Actress Eriata Ese commented, “She moves so effortlessly,” highlighting Ayra’s natural stage presence.
Big Brother Naija star Maria Chike added her voice to the chorus of approval, stating, “Your artist was born to do this,” underscoring the belief that Ayra’s talent is innate.
Fans were equally effusive in their praise. One user, Qweenin_bb, simply wrote, “A real star,” while another, Okoli Classic, declared, “She is that girl,” using popular internet slang to express admiration.
Don Jazzy’s endorsement carries significant weight in the Nigerian music industry. As the founder of Mavin Records, he has a track record of nurturing some of the country’s biggest stars. Music industry analyst Oluwaseun Adebayo explains:
“Don Jazzy’s ability to spot and develop talent is unparalleled in the Nigerian music scene. His public praise of Ayra Starr is not just a proud moment for a mentor but a signal to the industry that she’s a force to be reckoned with.”
Since bursting onto the scene, Ayra Starr has been making significant strides in her career. In June 2024, during an interview with Spotify, she revealed that her ambitions started early:
At the age of ten, I knew I would be famous like the fictional Disney character Hannah Montana, even though I didn’t know how I would achieve that,” Ayra shared, offering a glimpse into her long-held dreams of stardom.
Her rise hasn’t been without its bold statements. In a tweet that garnered attention a few months ago, Ayra playfully lamented, “I can’t stand straight again. My waist is bent from carrying Afrobeats on my back this year.” This confident assertion of her impact on the genre sparked discussions about her role in shaping contemporary Afrobeats.
Ayra Starr’s talent has not gone unnoticed by award bodies. She received a BET Award nomination for Best New Artist, competing alongside emerging artists from around the globe. Additionally, a past Grammy nomination, while not resulting in a win, marked a significant milestone in her young career.
However, her journey hasn’t been without controversy. In September 2023, Ayra made headlines when she declined to accept her Headies award, citing the fact that it wasn’t announced on stage. She stated, “I will not show gratitude for an honor not deemed worthy of being announced on the main stage,” highlighting issues of gender disparity in award presentations.
This bold stance generated mixed reactions, with some praising her for speaking out and others criticizing the move. Entertainment lawyer Folake Adebayo offers perspective:
“Ayra Starr’s refusal to accept the award off-stage brings attention to ongoing discussions about gender equality in the music industry. It’s a complex issue that requires ongoing dialogue and action.”
Ayra’s impact is beginning to extend beyond Nigerian borders. She recently recounted her first meeting with global superstar Rihanna at a Fenty business launch in London. Visibly star-struck, Ayra admitted:
I never knew Rihanna was real until I saw her. I didn’t know Rihanna was a human being like me.” This encounter, which included career advice from the billionaire singer, underscores Ayra’s growing international profile.
As Ayra Starr continues to ascend, many see her as part of the next generation carrying the Afrobeats genre forward. Music critic Chinedu Okafor observes:
Ayra represents the evolution of Afrobeats. Her sound, style, and confidence are pushing the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from the genre. With Don Jazzy’s backing and her undeniable talent, she’s poised to be a defining voice in Nigerian music for years to come.
As the Nigerian music scene continues to evolve, Ayra Starr stands at the forefront of a new wave of artists. Don Jazzy’s recent praise not only affirms her talent but also signals her importance to the future of Afrobeats. With her unique blend of confidence, skill, and star power, Ayra Starr is not just living up to her name – she’s redefining it.
