Spotify hosted an album listening party for Ayra Starr’s sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, on May 23 at Pavilion, Lagos. Industry players, music fans and media all came out for an exclusive and immersive first spin of the new album and it demonstrably lived up to the fervent anticipation.

The singer discussed her album’s creation in a Q&A session with media personality, Ope, explaining that making the album was a tough but fulfilling process that involved her whole team’s input.

 

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Ayra Starr has been on a roll. She recently got named Spotify EQUAL Africa and Global Artist for May, joining Tiwa Savage who is the only other African artist to be both the Spotify EQUAL Africa and Global artist. She is also the 9th most streamed Nigerian artist of all-time on Spotify across all credits.

The 21-year-old has become a definitive figure in contemporary Nigerian pop. She is brimming with earnest energy and a drive that she pushes to promote her glorious talent. She is here for it and she’s willing to put in the work to grab it all. 

In a little over 3 years, she has scored hit songs “Bloody Samaritan”, “Sability”, “Rush,” “Commas”, been nominated for a GRAMMY, is the most nominated Nigerian artist at this year’s BET Awards. Her eponymous EP followed by her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, reiterated her intent to enter into the industry and disrupt things. Now with her sophomore album, she’s putting more fire into her walk on that path, doubling down to prove that she’s indeed going to be around for a long time.

The Celestial Being is awakening to a tremendous level of global adoration. The rest of the world is quickly becoming just as captivated by her. And as she claimed, The Year I Turned 21 will go global.

 

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I am chomping at the bit to get the album. You really should be, too.