How Don Jazzy Signed Me - Ayra Starr

Posted by Thandiubani on Wed 28th Feb, 2024 - tori.ng

In a recent chat, she spoke about her first-time nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys.

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe aka Ayra Starr has opened up on how she got signed by Don Jazzy's Mavin Records.

Since the release of her debut EP in 2021, the 21-year-old has been making waves home and abroad.

In a recent chat, she spoke about her getting signed by Mavin, first-time nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys, her rising profile on the music scene, how she handles male admirers and others.

The ‘Rush’ star said she was bothered about men or women gazing at her.

“I’m an artiste to the core, and I want my style, my hair, my music, to represent how I feel. I don’t really care about aesthetics, it’s more about how I feel. I’m not really bothered about the male, female gaze, or anybody’s gaze for that matter, except my own. I’ve always had a mind of my own. Growing up in different places, in different cultures, has shaped my mind. And in spite of all these influences, I’m still myself. I wrote “Asé” when I was 15 — I had no business writing that song. So that gives you a glimpse of the kind of mindset I had at a young age.”

On how her mum redirected her passion from modelling to music, the Mavins recording act said: “I wanted to do modelling because everyone told me I couldn’t do it, like I’m not tall enough, and I told them, “watch me.” And I ended up doing it.

When I look back, I’m so proud of little Ayra, too.

It’s because of her that I’m here now. It’s because of that 16-year-old girl that didn’t give up and kept going. I used to do cover [songs] on Instagram. My mum and her friends used to force me to do covers. I uploaded one cover on Instagram — I didn’t even like the video. But something just kept telling me to post it and I did. Not up to 6 hours later, [Marvin Records CEO] Don Jazzy reached out. Three days later, he signed me.”