Ayra Starr picks her Afrobeats ‘big 3’

Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr has shared her picks for the Afrobeats Big 3, naming three artistes she considers the greatest in the genre.

In a recent interview with Hot 97, the singer said her list includes Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema.

Her choice differs from the lineup often mentioned in Afrobeats conversations, which usually features Wizkid alongside Davido and Burna Boy. In Ayra Starr’s list, Davido and Burna Boy were not included.

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“My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3,” she said.

The interview also touched on why the singer moved from Nigeria to the United States and how she settled in New York City.

Starr said she spent time in the city during the past two summers and eventually lived in Hell’s Kitchen for about three months with friends. 

According to her, the experience and the presence of people she knew influenced her decision.

“I spent the last two summers in New York and last summer I lived in Hell’s Kitchen for about three months with my friends. We were watching American shows and movies. It was fun.

“Also, growing up, I had always wanted to come to America. So which city would I want to go? LA is too far, the time difference with Nigeria is nine hours. So, I chose New York,” she explained in an interview with Angela Yee.