Ayra Starr Explains How Moving to New York City — And Making Her Acting Debut — Inspired Her New ‘Starrgirl’ LP: ‘I Exist in Multitudes’
Nigerian Afrobeats artist Ayra Starr says moving to New York City and making her acting debut helped shape her third project, *Starrgirl*. Released on 14 August through Mavin and Republic Records, the album reflects her desire to embrace multiple identities and musical styles rather than be confined to one sound.
The 16-track album moves from Afrobeats and R&B to dance-pop and slower ballads, featuring collaborations with Leon Thomas, kwn, Wizkid, Rema and ZAYN. Starr says New York’s energy, distance from home and the people she encountered there influenced the record, while her upcoming role in *Children of Blood & Bone* and an NFL halftime performance in London will extend the project’s profile.
- *Starrgirl* reflects Ayra Starr’s artistic versatility.
- New York influenced the album’s sound and perspective.
- Starr is also pursuing acting and major live performances.