Over a week ago, Ayra Starr released her highly-anticipated debut album, 19 & Dangerous, the youngest ever Nigerian female act to do so. The album is a testament of youth, identity and love. One could argue that the word ‘dangerous’ in the title refers to the artist’s determination to live life unapologetically, and on her own terms. In a culture that often stifles women’s voices and limits women’s choices, specifically with regard to young women; it is refreshing to see Ayra create a path for herself where she is able to define who she is, discover and express herself fully, while encouraging other young Nigerian/African women to do the same.
She Trusts Her Own Intuition
She Knows Exactly Who She Is
In standout tracks, Fashion Killer and Bloody Samaritan, Ayra Starr defines herself-“I’m a fashion killer”, “I’m a ticking dynamite- so that no one else will. This level of self-assurance from a woman her age is unheard of in the Afrobeats industry, and it is so important for young girls who might look up to her to have such representation, knowing that their future is only theirs to name. On Bridgertn, she proclaims loudly; “I’m the queen, bow down… break all the stereotypes, I make my rules, I break all of your rules”. Ayra speaks afropop and afro r&b fluently, her voice is equally sultry and commanding.
She Knows That Her Romantic Life Doesn’t Define Her Worth
Young love is also frequently referred to as puppy love, but Ayra Starr’s songs debunk the idea that it is not as potent as regular love. On Toxic, she sings about heartbreak and drugs, comparing the highs and lows of both with a voice full of raw emotion that makes it difficult to dispute the reality of her experiences. On Beggie Beggie featuring Ckay, her lyrics are unpretentious, English interlaced with Pidgin and Yoruba as she addresses the object of her affection, asking him to leave his other lovers and be hers. In the midst of it all though, she still knows who she is, establishing, “me sef I be hot cake”. She sees her worth, and doesn’t need him to see it for her to know it’s real. Considering that historically women have been defined by their relationship status, this is a statement of female independence, one that many young women need to see and integrate in their understanding of themselves.
At such a young age, Ayra Starr has mastered the art of self-expression, a skill that many seasoned artists take years to fully acquire. Doubtless, there will be challenges in her path, but she believes in herself more than anything, and so we as listeners cannot help but believe in her too. Ayra’s lyrics are profound, demonstrating that youth is not synonymous with a lack of depth, or with foolishness.
Guest article by Ruby Sapphire Chijioke-Nwauche