Ayra Starr Drops Sophomore Album ‘The Year I Turned 21’

Ayra Starr, the Beninese-Nigerian singer-songwriter, has released her sophomore album ‘The Year I Turned 21’, marking a significant step in her musical journey. The album, dropped under the Mavin-Republic Records partnership as part of a larger deal with Universal Music Group, showcases Starr’s growth and versatility as an artist.

The 21-year-old artist collaborated with a star-studded lineup on this project, including Anitta, Asake, and Giveon, among others. With a blend of genres rooted in Afrobeats, the album features a mix of midtempo tracks and pop-leaning ballads, exploring themes of maturation and introspection.

Starr’s journey from a teenage sensation to a Grammy-nominated artist has been meteoric, with her debut EP garnering over a billion streams on Spotify. The singer’s evolution in both sound and storytelling is evident in ‘The Year I Turned 21’, where she co-wrote every song on the album, alongside talents like Mason Tanner and London.

Leading up to the album release, Starr has been a force in the music scene, collaborating with industry heavyweights like Young Jonn, Tiwa Savage, and Aya Nakamura. She also delved into Latin music with the chart-topping track ‘Santa’ featuring Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, further expanding her musical reach.

Ayra Starr’s openness and vulnerability shine through in her latest music, reflecting a newfound confidence and willingness to share personal experiences with her audience. At just 21, the artist has already made significant strides in her career, counting icons like Rihanna among her admirers.