She is fast-becoming one of the most exciting new faces on the local music space and Ayra Starr has been praised for her soulful vocals and raw lyrics that reflect the strength and growing pains of her generation. Now, she’s making waves with her debut studio album ’19 & Dangerous’ – and it’s everything we hoped it would be.
“Every song on the album is iconic because I only want to do iconic things and be nothing less than myself in my career. People have tried to put me in a box because of my age and gender but I insist on breaking the norms and stereotypes,” Aryra Starr tells us. “This album is a safe space, a recharge zone for anyone who feels defeated and feels like giving up. I want that teenage boy or girl who feels like everything is going wrong in their lives to seek refuge in this album.”
Since debuting in January, Ayra Starr has amassed over 23 million global streams, powered by her debut self-titled EP and the single ‘Away’, which has racked up over 3.8 million YouTube views. The incredible buzz coming out of Lagos saw Ayra championed as Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist – an exclusive new talent development programme that previously earmarked artists like Tems and Amaarae.
Brimming with a spirit that is audacious and defiant yet vulnerable, “19 & Dangerous” is an apt title for this new chapter in Ayra’s blossoming career. Comprised of 11 unapologetic tracks all written or co-written by Ayra herself, the album is a coming-of-age record seamlessly weaving Afro-pop, R&B, dancehall, trap and alté styles. Perfectly tailor-made to soundtrack your summer.
Listen to ’19 & Dangerous’ below and read more music news here.
