Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has revealed that one of her biggest artistic ambitions is to record a song with global Afrobeats star Burna Boy. The singer described him as the artiste she most hopes to collaborate with in the future.
She shared this during a Billboard interview published on January 29, 2026, where she spoke about her career growth and recent Grammy recognition. The conversation was held with Chelley Bissainthe, a star from Love Island USA.
Grammy Recognition Boosts Her Confidence
During the interview, the award-winning artiste reflected on her latest Grammy nomination in the category of Best African Music Performance.
The nomination came through her 2025 single “Gimme Dat,” a collaboration with Nigerian superstar Wizkid. The song was released on April 25, 2025, and quickly gained international attention.
When the nominees were announced in November 2025, Ayra Starr said the recognition reinforced her confidence as an artiste.
According to her, the feeling surrounding this nomination was different from her first Grammy experience.
Growth Since Her First Nomination
Ayra Starr explained that her initial Grammy nomination had caught her completely by surprise.
However, the second recognition brought a different emotional response. Instead of shock, she said the moment gave her a sense of reassurance that her career was moving in the right direction.
For the singer, the nomination served as proof that her dedication and artistic growth were being acknowledged globally.
How “Gimme Dat” Came Together
The singer also offered behind-the-scenes details about the creation of “Gimme Dat.”
Interestingly, she revealed that she was not immediately aware that the track incorporated a musical sample.
She discovered this detail during the recording process after Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records, explained the origins of the instrumental.
The Song’s Musical Inspiration
The song draws from “911,” a track originally performed by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige.
After learning about the sample, Ayra Starr said she researched the original record to better understand the musical context and history behind it.
This deeper knowledge, she explained, helped her connect more meaningfully with the song during the recording process.
A Special Studio Moment
Another unexpected discovery made the recording session even more memorable.
Ayra Starr said she later learned that the studio where the song was recorded had previously belonged to Wyclef Jean, one of the original performers whose work inspired the track.
For the singer, this coincidence made the experience feel almost symbolic, adding emotional significance to the project.
Challenges During Recording
Despite the song’s success, the recording process was not without its difficulties.
Ayra Starr admitted that she initially struggled with her vocals during the first two days in the studio.
She explained that maintaining the right vocal strength and tone proved challenging, but persistence and studio support helped her eventually deliver the final performance heard on the track.
Wizkid’s Contribution to the Track
The singer also disclosed that “Gimme Dat” was originally recorded as a solo project.
According to her, the song had already been completed months earlier before Wizkid eventually joined the track.
Once his verse was added, she said the collaboration felt seamless and elevated the song’s overall impact.
Dream Collaboration With Burna Boy
While discussing future musical goals, Ayra Starr revealed that there is still one major collaboration she hopes to achieve.
She openly stated that Burna Boy remains the artiste she most wants to work with, even though she has already collaborated with several prominent musicians.
The singer noted that while she plans to continue exploring partnerships with other artistes, Burna Boy stands at the top of her collaboration wish list.
Commentary and Analysis
Ayra Starr’s remarks highlight her growing influence within the global Afrobeats movement. As one of the leading voices of the new generation of Nigerian music, her international recognition—including Grammy nominations—signals the continued expansion of African music on the world stage.
Her desire to collaborate with Burna Boy also reflects the strong network of influence among Afrobeats artistes. Burna Boy’s global success has positioned him as a key figure in the genre’s international rise, making him a highly sought-after collaborator.
If such a collaboration eventually happens, it could unite two powerful creative forces within Afrobeats and potentially produce a major global hit.
For now, Ayra Starr continues to build momentum in her career, balancing artistic growth, international recognition, and ambitious musical goals.
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