Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has revealed that Afrobeats star Burna Boy is the artist she most wants to collaborate with in the future.
The 23-year-old made the disclosure in an interview with Billboard, where she spoke about her career goals, Grammy journey, and creative ambitions.
“Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with,” Ayra Starr said.
“I’ve collaborated with a lot of people, and I still want to collaborate with many more people.”
Her comments came as she reflected on her nominations ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1. Ayra Starr is a two-time Grammy nominee this year, including a nod for Best African Music Performance for her hit song Gimme Dat with Wizkid.
Speaking on what the recognition means to her, she said her second nomination felt affirming.
“The first time I got nominated, it was like, ‘Oh my God, I got nominated. This is crazy,’” she said.
“But the second time felt like reassurance — like, ‘Oh, I’m good at this. I know what I’m doing.’”
Ayra Starr also opened up about the making of “Gimme Dat,” which samples “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige.
According to her, she was unaware of the sample at the time of recording, as she had been working with producer Don Jazzy.
She described discovering that the session happened in the same studio once used by Wyclef Jean as a meaningful moment.
The singer also admitted that the recording process was not smooth at first.
“First of all, I sounded horrible. The engineer knew I sounded horrible. I sounded bad the first day,” she said, explaining that she returned the following day determined to improve her vocals.
Ayra Starr revealed that Gimme Dat was initially planned as a solo release before Wizkid joined the track months later.
“I recorded this song maybe six or eight months before it actually came out. This was before Wizkid even jumped on it. It was supposed to be just my single,” she said.
Reflecting on the global rise of African music, Ayra Starr noted that international recognition is long overdue.
“I feel like it’s Africa’s time music-wise. We’ve always made amazing music, and the world is just catching up,” she said.
Looking ahead, the singer hinted at major projects already in motion.
“One thing I’m doing this year is creating whatever I want to exist. I’m working on an album. I’m not done. By God’s grace — a book,” she added.
With Grammy buzz building and new creative projects underway, Ayra Starr’s ambition to work with Burna Boy adds to growing anticipation around the next phase of her career.
