Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has opened up about one of the most unforgettable moments of her rising global career — meeting her musical idol, Rihanna, and discovering that the pop icon is a fan of her music.
Speaking in a recent interview with ETalk TV, the Nigerian singer couldn’t hide her excitement as she recalled her first encounter with the Barbadian superstar. According to Ayra, the moment not only validated her journey as an artist but left her with a lasting impression of Rihanna’s personality.
“She [Rihanna] is such an amazing person. To be honest, it still feels like a dream,” Ayra said. “I love her so much. People always say, ‘never meet your idols’, but I’m so glad I met mine because she’s just an amazing person. And the fact that she loves my music — I’m my favourite artist’s favourite artist.”
Ayra Starr, who is signed to Mavin Records and recently achieved a Latin Diamond certification with her international hit Santa featuring Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, has become one of Africa’s most celebrated music exports. Her meteoric rise has seen her grace global stages, earn international collaborations, and carve out a space for herself among the new generation of Afrobeats royalty.
The meeting with Rihanna, she revealed, was not just a dream come true but also a defining moment that reinforced the choices she made in her musical journey.
“She’s such an amazing artist, an amazing woman, an amazing person in general; somebody to look up to,” Ayra added. “I know I chose a great role model, and being able to be around her… I usually don’t know what to do with myself. When I get nervous around her, I try to make unnecessary jokes.”
Ayra Starr, whose real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, said the interaction made her realise that Rihanna is exactly who she hoped her idol would be: down-to-earth, genuine, and inspiring.
“She’s so warm and real. There’s nothing fake about her. And when someone like that tells you they love your music, it’s bigger than just a compliment. It’s a huge blessing,” she said.
Ayra also expressed her strong desire to collaborate with the Diamonds hitmaker, hinting that a potential musical project with Rihanna could happen in the future.
“I’m definitely looking forward to collaborating with her. That would be a dream come true. Just imagine both of us on a song — it would be fire,” she smiled.
The 22-year-old singer has been blazing trails in the international music scene. In June 2025, her collaboration Santa received the Latin Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) after surpassing 35 million streams in the U.S. Latin market. This made her the first African artist to earn a Latin Diamond plaque — a groundbreaking feat.
The song also earned multiple Platinum certifications in Spain and Mexico, topped the Spanish music chart, and reached the No. 2 position in Colombia, Ecuador, and several countries in Central America.
Ayra Starr joins fellow Nigerian star Rema, whose song Bubalu also received RIAA Latin Platinum certification, as the only African artists currently holding RIAA Latin plaques.
Her ability to blend Afrobeats, pop, and global rhythms has won her a massive fan base outside Africa, including celebrities, fashion icons, and now, music royalty like Rihanna.
In recent months, Ayra has been spotted at several high-profile events, including Paris Fashion Week, the Billboard Women in Music Gala, and the BET Awards, where she’s consistently praised for her style, charisma, and electrifying performances.
With two successful albums, global recognition, and increasing collaborations with top international acts, Ayra Starr’s career is only just beginning to soar.
Her fans — affectionately called “Mobstarrs” — have taken to social media to celebrate the Rihanna revelation, with many expressing pride at how far the singer has come in just a few short years.
“This is what it looks like when hard work meets destiny,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “From Lagos to global stages — Ayra Starr is the future.”
Another posted, “She’s not just our favourite, she’s Rihanna’s favourite too. Ayra is truly Sabi Girl for a reason.”
Born in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayra Starr burst onto the scene in 2021 with her hit single Away and later gained critical acclaim with her debut self-titled EP. Her debut album 19 & Dangerous featured hits like Bloody Samaritan and Fashion Killer, further solidifying her status as a leading voice in Afrobeats.
Ayra has consistently credited her upbringing, faith, and fierce independence as the driving forces behind her music. Her sound — a fusion of Afropop, R&B, soul, and trap — reflects a new wave of confident, expressive African women breaking stereotypes and dominating the global stage.
As she sets her sights on a collaboration with Rihanna and more global conquests, Ayra Starr is not just living her dreams — she’s inspiring millions to believe in theirs.
And with Rihanna’s stamp of approval, the future looks even brighter for Africa’s new queen of pop.
By Africa Live News
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