Global Afrobeats star Ayra Starr sat down with Love Island USA alum and host Chelley Bissainthe for a revealing interview, reflecting on her second career Grammy nomination and the powerful trajectory of African music.
The singer described her 2026 nomination as a “reassurance” of her talent and growth, solidifying her place on the world stage.
In a heartfelt moment, Starr recounted a full-circle encounter at a past ceremony with Miley Cyrus, whose Hannah Montana character she idolized as a child in Nigeria. “It reminded me how far I’ve come,” she shared.
Delving into her nominated hit “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, Starr explained the track’s roots, which sample Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s “911.” She revealed the serendipity of recording the song in Wyclef’s own studio, despite battling a lost voice during the session.
Emphasizing her creative control, Starr highlighted co-directing the music video to visually articulate her artistic evolution.
Looking ahead, the Roc Nation-managed artist confirmed a blockbuster 2026, teasing her third studio album, a debut book, and a worldwide tour.
She also named Burna Boy as a dream collaborator, underscoring her commitment to showcasing African talent across sub-genres.
Starr’s final message was one of empowerment: urging fans to “create what you want to exist.”
