By Micah Jonah
January 30, 2026
Nigerian music star, Ayra Starr has revealed that Grammy award-winning singer, Burna Boy remains her top choice for a future music collaboration.
The singer, whose real name is Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, made this known during a recent Billboard interview where she spoke about her 2026 Grammy nominations and career journey. According to her, working with Burna Boy is a long-held ambition, even as she continues to explore new creative partnerships.
Ayra Starr recently earned a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for Gimme Dat, a song she recorded with Wizkid, released in April 2025.
The nomination, announced in November 2025, places her among the leading African artists recognized ahead of the Grammy Awards scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Reacting to the nomination, the singer described the moment as deeply reassuring, saying it affirmed her growth and confidence as an artist. She explained that while her first Grammy nomination felt surreal, the second one gave her a stronger sense of purpose and belief in her craft.
Speaking on the making of Gimme Dat, Ayra Starr disclosed that the song samples 911 by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, a fact she only discovered during the recording process. She added that the experience felt symbolic, especially after realizing the studio used for the recording once belonged to Wyclef Jean.
The singer also opened up about the challenges she faced while recording the track, revealing that she struggled with her vocals initially but pushed through with determination. She noted that the song was originally intended to be a solo project before Wizkid eventually joined, a collaboration she believes happened at the perfect time.
On the global rise of African music, Ayra Starr said the international spotlight reflects a long-overdue recognition of the continent’s creativity and sound. Looking ahead, she disclosed plans to release new music, work on a book, stating that she is focused on creating freely, trusting God and herself more in the process.
