Oyinkansola Aderigbigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, recently revealed in an interview with Dazed Magazine that, despite being known as a “lover girl,” she has never experienced falling in love.
The 21-year-old Grammy-nominated Afrobeats star shared insights into her personal life, admitting she has yet to be in a fully committed relationship due to her intense focus on her music career.
Ayra Starr on Love and Relationships
Ayra Starr, who has been dedicated to her music career since the age of 15, attributed her single status to the demands of her work. Despite her desire to find love, her busy schedule has kept her from fully exploring romantic relationships. In her words:
“I want to fall in love. I wrote ‘Lagos Love Story’ about what love would look like if I was. I am a lover girl deep in my heart, I’m just very strong-headed about it. I actually have never been in love… I’ve been working since I was 15.”
Ayra Starr emphasized that while she has had experiences, they weren’t full-blown relationships. Now, she is open to finding love but continues to enjoy her life and music journey. She humorously added:
“It’s me just enjoying myself as a girl. I’m like, let me sing to a cute boy today and I’m looking around because I can – why not?”
Ayra Starr’s Rise to Stardom
Signed to Mavin Records, Ayra Starr has quickly become one of the most prominent voices in Afrobeats. Her debut hit “Away” and her chart-topping album “19 & Dangerous” have solidified her as a rising international star. With her powerful voice and relatable lyrics, Ayra Starr has garnered a massive fanbase and numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination.
Tems Shares Similar Sentiment
Ayra Starr’s admission mirrors the sentiments of another prominent Nigerian artist, Tems, who also revealed in a June 2023 interview that she has never been in love. Tems, known for her thoughtful approach to love and relationships, explained her views on genuine love:
“I haven’t been in love… Love is when you’ve seen the person, their yansh is open and you’re like ‘I still want it. I still want that.’”
Tems has also admired Ayra Starr, calling her “hardworking” and even hinting at a potential collaboration between the two Afrobeats powerhouses.
The Future of Female Afrobeats Stars
Both Ayra Starr and Tems are leading the charge for female representation in the Afrobeats genre. Their honest reflections on love, coupled with their artistic prowess, make them standout figures in African music. As Ayra Starr continues to evolve both personally and musically, fans eagerly anticipate more of her captivating music and her exploration of new experiences, including love.
