Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr, one of the fastest-rising stars in the Afrobeats scene, has publicly expressed her eagerness to work with the internationally renowned artist and Grammy winner Burna Boy.
The revelation came during a candid Billboard interview released on Thursday, January 29, 2026, where Ayra discussed her remarkable journey in music, her recent Grammy nominations, and her aspirations for future collaborations.
Burna Boy Tops Ayra Starr’s Collaboration Wishlist
Asked about artists she’s eager to collaborate with, Ayra Starr quickly named Burna Boy as her top choice.
Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe showed no hesitation in her response.
“Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with,” she shared.
Ayra has collaborated with many industry big names, but she stresses that working with Burna Boy remains an unfulfilled dream she determines to realize.
“I’ve collaborated with many and still want to work with more,” she added.
This underscores her openness to artistic partnerships and her unrelenting creative hunger.
Celebrating a Second Grammy Nomination
Ayra Starr’s rising profile was recently cemented with a coveted Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category.
The nomination comes for her song “Gimme Dat,” a high-energy Afrobeats track featuring global superstar Wizkid.
Released on April 25, 2025, the song quickly garnered attention for its infectious rhythm and seamless blend of both artists’ distinctive styles.
Grammy officials announced the full 2026 nominees list in November 2025, ahead of the ceremony on February 1, 2026.
For Ayra, the recognition holds profound personal significance.
Speaking in the interview, she called the moment “comforting for my career.”
The nomination bolstered her confidence and reassured her she’s on the right artistic path.
While recounting her experience, Ayra contrasted her feelings between her first and second Grammy nominations.
“My first Grammy nomination felt shocking,” she admitted. “But the second one gave me inner peace and belief in my ability as an artiste.”
Behind the Scenes of ‘Gimme Dat’
Ayra offered fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind “Gimme Dat.”
She revealed she was unaware the song sampled “911,” Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s iconic track, until the recording session was already underway.
Don Jazzy, the legendary Nigerian producer, first spotted the connection.
This prompted Ayra to research the sample’s origin, deepening her appreciation for the music’s rich lineage.
A surprising twist added more meaning to the recording process.
This serendipity, she said, made the experience feel almost destined: “The coincidence made the entire process feel purposeful.”
Overcoming Challenges in the Studio
Despite the song’s eventual success, the journey to its completion was not without setbacks.
Ayra candidly recalled the difficulties she faced during the recording sessions.
“My voice was not in good shape on the first day, and even on the second day, I still struggled,” she said.
Nevertheless, she pushed through with determination, crediting her perseverance and studio team’s support for helping her fully realize the vision.
“Despite this, I remained determined to deliver my best, relying on effort and studio support to achieve the final sound,” she noted.
The Evolution of a Hit Song
Interestingly, Ayra Starr originally conceived “Gimme Dat” as a solo project.
The Wizkid collaboration materialized later, but once it did, “everything fell into place naturally and the timing felt right,” she explained.
Looking Ahead
Ayra Starr’s rising trajectory, bold ambitions captivate Nigerian and global audiences nonstop.
Fans buzz as Ayra Starr eyes Burna Boy collab, eager for her next musical frontiers.
Ayra Starr’s Afrobeats journey starts; her growth openness promises innovative milestones ahead.
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