Ayra Starr becomes youngest singer to joins Spotify’s EQUAL music program

Mavin records signee Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, has become the newest artist to join Spotify's Equal Music Programme.

The 19-year-old singer is a burgeoning Nigerian Afro-Pop and R&B singer whose charismatic music style is daring and undaunted-- impacting and empowering people, especially those who are not added to the equation.

This announcement comes off the back of Ayra’s popularity and fame since the release of her smash hit, Bloody Samaritan, from her debut studio album ‘'19 and Dangerous”.

Ayra Starr and Don Jazzy Ayra Starr Pulse Live Kenya

The album features the chart-topping singles that have catapulted the musician to the global stage. The super-talented and vibrant fashion killer is one of Nigeria’s most promising new voices and exudes confidence in her songs, joining Gen-Z artists who are pioneering the kind of sound that younger audiences are leaning towards.

Spotify EQUAL aims to foster gender equality in music and provide a platform to highlight influential female creators. Ayra has now joined the list of fierce African women making waves in music.

“Our aim with the EQUAL programme is to create a space on the platform that allows us to solely amplify the work of female creators.

“Ayra represents the rise of new-age female artists whose creativity and determination breaks barriers between genres,” says Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.

Ayra Starr Ayra Starr Pulse Live Kenya

Also Read: Ssarru becomes youngest rapper to join Spotify’s EQUAL Music Program

Ayra welcomed the acknowledgement given gender dynamics in the music industry.

‘’It feels good to be a part of the generation that is changing the narrative and being appreciated for our contribution to society, irrespective of the sector and age. I’m grateful to Spotify EQUAL for this feature that shines a light on women in a male-dominated industry. It makes me feel seen, and I’m sure it's done so for everyone who has been featured before me,” says Ayra Starr.

As the latest artist to join the EQUAL Music Programme, Ayra Starr will also feature on Spotify’s Times Square billboard in New York and her breakout hit, Bloody Samaritan, will lead the EQUAL Africa playlist and feature on the EQUAL global playlist.

Ssaru's billboard at Times Square in New York Pulse Live Kenya

Ssaru

In August, Gengetone Queen Sylvia Saru, aka Ssaru became the youngest rapper to join Spotify's EQUAL Music Programme

Ssaru first made her mark in the industry after her rap freestyles went viral. Following that, she released her first video Nyama and has since worked with the likes of Benzema of the Ochungulo Family, one of the music crews instrumental in pioneering the Gengetone genre in Kenya.