Music Saved Me From Unemployment – Ayra Starr

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has revealed that music rescued her from what she believes would have been a life of unemployment.

Speaking during an interview with EE72, the 24-year-old singer said she could not imagine pursuing any other career path if music had not worked out for her.

According to the award-winning artiste, she would likely still be living with and depending on her mother if she had not achieved success in the music industry.

“If I were not doing music, I would literally be unemployed. I do not even think I would be a content creator. That would be a lot of work,” she said.

“I would just be vibing in my mother’s house, eating my mother’s food.”

The ‘Sability’ crooner also opened up about her early days in the industry, recalling her excitement when she discovered that Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy had been following her music before she was eventually signed.

“I was so excited when I found out they were listening to my music. You know who it is,” she said.

Ayra Starr further admitted that she sometimes shares too much about her personal life during interviews.

“I really wish people knew less about me. Once the camera comes on, I cannot stop talking. And I feel like I overshare,” she added.

Born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr rose to prominence in 2021 with her hit single Bloody Samaritan, which became a viral success and cemented her place as one of Africa’s leading music stars.

Since joining Mavin Records in 2020, the singer has enjoyed remarkable success, earning several awards and nominations for her work.

Don Jazzy previously described signing Ayra Starr as a deliberate and strategic decision, revealing that he was impressed by her originality and immediately sought to contact her.

“She didn’t answer me first,” he once recalled.

The music executive said he later reached out to her brother after seeing one of his posts, a move that eventually led to Ayra Starr signing with Mavin Records.