Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly recognized as Ayra Starr, has unveiled the inspiration behind her chosen stage name.
According to her, the conception of “Ayra” was a collaborative effort, with her record label boss, Don Jazzy, contributing to the creative process. She personally coined “Ayra,” and Don Jazzy added the suffix “Starr” to complete the moniker.
Before joining Mavin Records, Ayra Starr was known by the nickname “Oyin,” derived from her first name, Oyinkansola. In a special Christmas interview with Arise TV, the singer shed light on the thought process behind her stage name.
Explaining the origin, Ayra Starr shared, “There is this Yoruba name called Ira, I wanted people to pronounce it as ‘Aira.’ And I was like, the only way they can pronounce it is by spelling it ‘A Y R A.’ So, I was thinking about it and something just told me to go ‘A Y R A.’ And when I did, everything just came together: The meaning of the name, it felt like God was speaking to me.
“And ‘Starr’ was Don Jazzy’s idea. Ayra means ‘woke and open-minded.’ And that’s what I want. I want to be honored and respected.”