Nigerian singer and songwriter Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known by her stage name Ayra Starr, has revealed that she no longer feels the pressure to prove herself in the music industry.
The Grammy-nominated artist, popularly called “Sabi Girl,” said her only focus now is living up to her own standards.
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra in London, the 22-year-old star shared how her new mindset has shaped her latest creative process. She explained that her recent single “Hot Body” was born from a place of self-assurance and personal growth.
“I’m in a very comfortable place where I don’t see the need to prove myself to anybody other than myself,” Ayra Starr said. “I released my song ‘Hot Body’ because I feel like this is the right time. I’m in the right headspace. I feel good. Right now, my body is better than I have ever felt.”
She added that her latest music goes beyond making hits for the charts. “I didn’t just release it because it sounds good. Look what the hot body can do that’s exactly how I feel,” she explained.
Ayra Starr, signed to Mavin Records, has grown into one of Africa’s most influential young voices. Since bursting onto the scene in 2021 with her self-titled debut EP, she has consistently pushed boundaries with her sound, which blends Afropop, R&B, and soul.
Her breakout single “Away” first announced her arrival, but it was her 2021 debut album “19 & Dangerous” that cemented her status as a rising star. With hits like “Bloody Samaritan,” “Fashion Killer,” and “Rush,” she built a strong fan base at home and abroad.
In 2023, her global reach expanded even further when “Rush” earned her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, the first time the category was introduced. The nomination placed her alongside some of the continent’s biggest names and marked a significant milestone in her young career.
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Despite these achievements, Ayra Starr said she has learned to focus inward rather than outward. For her, the pressure to constantly prove herself to the public has given way to a healthier outlook.
“This is me embracing who I am, without waiting for anyone’s approval,” she said in the interview. “I know my worth, and I’m making music that reflects exactly how I feel in this moment of my life.”
Her declaration comes at a time when many young artists face heavy expectations from fans, critics, and the industry. Yet Ayra Starr seems determined to break free from those pressures.
Known for her bold style and youthful confidence, Ayra Starr has also become a voice of inspiration for her generation. Fans often call her the “Sabi Girl,” a nickname she has embraced to represent her fearless and unapologetic approach to life.
Her message during the interview resonates with many who see her as more than just an entertainer. By choosing to create music from a place of self-belief rather than external validation, she hopes to encourage others to do the same in their own lives.
As Ayra Starr continues her journey, she shows no signs of slowing down. With international tours, collaborations, and new projects lined up, she remains focused on expanding her artistry while staying true to herself.
Industry watchers believe her approach could make her one of the defining voices of the Afrobeats generation. By choosing authenticity over pressure, she is carving out a path that many young artists may seek to follow.
For Ayra Starr, the future is not about proving critics wrong but about proving herself right. And as her star continues to rise, one thing is clear: she is doing it entirely on her own terms.
