Two-time Grammy nominee Ayra Starr (real name Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe) has said she wants to work with Burna Boy, calling him her number one choice for a collaboration.
She made the comment during an interview with Billboard, talking about her 2026 Grammy nomination while speaking with Love Island USA star, Chelley Bissainthe.
Ayra Starr earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance for her song “Gimme Dat” with Wizkid, which was released on April 25, 2025. The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Speaking about the nomination, Ayra Starr said it was a reassuring moment in her career. She explained that her first nomination was shocking, but the second one confirmed that she is doing well in music.
The singer also shared how she discovered that “Gimme Dat” samples “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige while recording the song. She said recording in the same studio as Wyclef felt like a special, meant-to-be moment.
Ayra Starr admitted she struggled with her voice during recording. She said, “I sounded horrible at first, but I returned the next day determined to give my best. Thanks to technology, the final result came out great.”
She added that the song was originally meant to be her solo single, but Wizkid joined later, and it came together perfectly.
On the global rise of African music, Ayra Starr said, “It’s Africa’s time music-wise. We’ve always made amazing music, and the world is just catching up.”
Looking ahead, Ayra Starr said she is working on new music and a book. She wants to create whatever she envisions this year.