Tag: Ayra Starr

  • Naira Marley defends Ayra Starr against backlash over ‘I’m Back’ dance video

    Naira Marley defends Ayra Starr against backlash over ‘I’m Back’ dance video

    Nigerian singer and songwriter Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley, has defended his colleague, Ayra Starr following the criticism she faced for dancing to his latest song, ‘Pxy Drip (I’m Back).

    This comes after the “Soapy” crooner took to social media to post a clip of popular singers Ayra Starr and actress Regina Daniels dancing to his latest song, and he couldn’t help but boast about the attention it’s been getting.

    “I’m back,” he captioned the post, along with a series of emojis, suggesting that he’s feeling confident and triumphant. The post has been getting a lot of attention on social media, with many of Naira Marley’s fans congratulating him on his return and praising his new music.

    However, not everyone is happy about Ayra Starr and Regina Daniels dancing to Naira Marley’s song. Some fans have taken to social media to lash out at the two celebrities, accusing them of promoting Naira Marley’s music despite his controversial past.

    One would think that Ayra Starr and Regina Daniels would know better than to associate themselves with someone like Naira Marley,” one fan wrote. “He’s been involved in so many scandals and has a history of promoting bad behavior. It’s disappointing to see them dancing to his song and giving him a platform.

    Another fan added, “I used to be a fan of Ayra Starr and Regina Daniels, but after seeing them dance to Naira Marley’s song, I’m starting to question their values. Don’t they know that Naira Marley has been accused of glorifying internet fraud and promoting a toxic lifestyle?

    The backlash against Ayra Starr and Regina Daniels has been intense, with many fans calling them out for their perceived hypocrisy. Some have even gone as far as to accuse them of being “fake” and “attention-seeking” for dancing to Naira Marley’s song.

    Reacting to the backlash, Naira Marley who seems to be enjoying the attention his new song is getting, responded to comments and messages from critics, asking that Ayra Starr and Regina Daniels be left alone.

    He also thanked the female entertainers for their support.

    “Cry in peace and stop disturbing us with noise ” he wrote, followed by a sarcastic post: “Leave her alone and cancel me again.”

  • Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artistes in 2024

    Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artistes in 2024

    Nigerian music stars, Asake and Ayra Starr, have emerged the most streamed artiste in Nigeria, on Spotify, in 2024.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday, said this is according to “Spotify Wrapped 2024”.

    Okumu said that the ten most streamed male artistes in Nigeria for the year included: Asake, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Bnxn, ODUMODUBLVCK, Shallipopi, Davido and Young Jonn.

    According to her, the ten most streamed female artistes in Nigeria were: Ayra Starr, Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, SZA, Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, Rihanna, Simi and Fave.

    She listed the ten most streamed tracks in Nigeria as: Dealer by Ayo Maff and Fireboy; Different Pattern by Seyi Vibez; Higher by Burna Boy; WOTO WOTO SEASONING by ODUMODUBLVCK and Black Sherif and Aquafina by Young Jonn.

    She said others were: Stronger by Young Jonn, Egwu by Chike and Mohbad; Instagram by Muyeez and Seyi Vibez; Cast by Shallipopi and ODUMODUBLVCK and POE by Ruger and Bnxn.

    “For the fourth year running, Nigerian artistes have dominated the top 10 most-streamed list, proving the nation’s unwavering love for its homegrown talent.

    “Asake takes the crown as the most-streamed artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Gambia, and Benin.

    “And it wasn’t just the Gen Z crowd who were hooked, Asake, alongside Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and Seyi Vibez, captivated listeners from 13 to 55+ years old, landing on the top 10 artists list for these age groups.

    “Rising stars, Ayo Maff and Muyeez, stormed the most-streamed tracks list with tracks “Dealer” and “Instagram,” proving the industry’s bright future.

    “Young Jonn’s hits, “Aquafina” and “Stronger”, showcased his staying power, while Burna Boy held his own with “Higher”. It’s a dynamic blend of old and new, driving the industry forward.”

    Okumu described Nigeria’s vibrant music scene as a global force to be reckoned with.

    “Spotify is always honoured to showcase the depth of Nigerian music and its incredible talents through ‘Wrapped’ each year.

    “The seamless blend of generations and genres showcases the unique power of Nigerian music to resonate both locally and globally.

    “It’s inspiring to see how our artistes are not just shaping culture at home but also making waves internationally,” she said.

  • Rema, Tems among Nigerian stars on Rolling Stone’s ‘top 100 albums of 2024’ list

    Rema, Tems among Nigerian stars on Rolling Stone’s ‘top 100 albums of 2024’ list

    The projects of top Nigerian singers, RemaTems, and Ayra Starr have been listed among Rolling Stone’s ‘best 100 albums of 2024’.

    The magazine released the list on Monday, highlighting outstanding albums that have enjoyed global success in the year.

     Heis‘, Rema’s second studio album which secured the number 11th spot in the list, was described as a “unique, buzzy and visceral” project.

    “Heis sounds more like a rave than almost anything Rema has made prior raging while everything else simmers. The result is the buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that no one else in the mainstream is making,” it wrote

    According to the magazine, Tem’s debut album ‘Born in the Wild‘ earned the 37th spot due to the “physical and emotional listening experience” it gives.

    “Her debut album measures the soul work it’s taken to get here. All of it has paid off on an album so rich that the listening experience is a physical one as much as it is emotional,” it wrote.

    While Starr’s second album ‘The Year I Turned 21′ clinched the 53rd position. According to Rolling Stone, the album showcased the singer’s “musical maturity and enviable passion”.

    “Ayra Starr asserts a musical maturity that be could be considered far beyond her years but perhaps more aptly serves as a reminder of the emotional depth, logical process and enviable passion young people possess,” it added.

  • Burna Boy, four other Nigerian singers named among artists with 1 billion streams

    Burna Boy, four other Nigerian singers named among artists with 1 billion streams

    A new list with names of Nigerian artists whose songs have gotten to one billion streams worldwide has surfaced on social media.

    The list features four male artists and one female artist. The male artists include Burna Boy, Rema, Ckay and Wizkid.

    The female artist happens to be Ayra Starr. Her song ‘Rush’ is the sole track contributing to her total streams. The other top songs include Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’, Wizkid’s ‘Essence’, Ckay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ and Rema’s ‘calm down’.

    Rema recently had a concert in Benin, making his song ‘Calm Down’ hit one billion streams.

    Ayra Starr also achieved mainstream international recognition with the release of the song ‘Rush’. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24, earning the singer a nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.

    Burna on the other hand rose to stardom in 2012 after releasing ‘Like to Party’ the lead single from his debut studio album L.I.F.E (2013). As at 2017, Burna Boy signed with Atlantic Records in the United States to release his third studio album, Outside in the year 2018.

    Wizkid who began his career at the age of 11,  rose to the limelight after releasing “Holla at Your Boy”, the lead single from his debut studio album, Superstar in 2011.

  • Why I am still single despite fame  – Ayra Starr

    Why I am still single despite fame – Ayra Starr

    Popular Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, has opened up on the reason she is still single.

    In a recent Rolling Stone interview, with US singer Coco Jones, the 22-year-old music sensation said she has very high standards of dating which would be hard for any man to meet 

    The Grammy-nominated singer revealed that she was grateful that she didn’t start dating before hitting stardom.

    She stressed that she is very busy and has no time for herself, talkless of a man.

    “I’m so happy I wasn’t really dating before I started music. I didn’t really know what I was missing. So now that I waited this long to date people, I have very high standards. If it’s gonna be hard to meet it, it’s gonna be bye-bye. But also, I don’t have time for myself, talk less of a boy,”she said.

    Last month, the singer, real name Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, said she has never fallen in love.

    Despite her rising fame, Starr remains focused on her music, which has catapulted her to becoming one of Africa’s biggest female artistes since releasing her debut album ’19 and Dangerous’ in 2021.

  • FULL LIST: Ayra Starr, Burna Boy bag nominations at MTV EMA 2024

    FULL LIST: Ayra Starr, Burna Boy bag nominations at MTV EMA 2024

    The Nigerian singers Ayrr Starr, Asake, Burna Boy, Rema and Tems have been nominated for the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards.

    The award organisers released the nominees list on Wednesday, with the ‘Rush’ hitmaker nominated in four categories, which include ‘Best African Act’, ‘Best Afrobeats’, ‘Best Push’ and ‘Best New Artist’ categories.

    Other Nigerian artists were nominated for ‘Best Afrobeats award, while South Africa’ Tyla clinched four categories including ‘Best New’, ‘Best Afrobeats’, ‘Best R&B’, and ‘Best African Act’.

    The American songstress Taylor Swift, bagged the most nominations in seven categories.

    The 2024 MTV EMA’s, which will mark the 30th anniversary, will occur on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Manchester’s Co-op Live in UK.

    See the full list below:

    Best New Artist

    • Ayra Starr
    • Benson Boone
    • Chappell Roan
    • LE SSERAFIM
    • Teddy Swims
    • The Last Dinner Party
    • Tyla

    Best Afrobeats 

    • Asake
    • Ayra Starr
    • Burna Boy
    • Rema
    • Tems
    • Tyla

    Best Push

    Advertisement

    • Ayra Starr
    • Chappell Roan
    • Coco Jones
    • Flyana Boss
    • Jessie Murph
    • Laufey
    • LE SSERAFIM
    • Mark Ambor
    • Shaboozey
    • Teddy Swims
    • The Warning
    • Victoria Monét

    Best R&B

    • Kehlani
    • SZA
    • Tinashe
    • Tyla
    • Usher
    • Victoria Monét

    Best Song

    • Ariana Grande – ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’
    • Benson Boone – ‘Beautiful Things’
    • Beyoncé – ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’
    • Billie Eilish – ‘Birds of a Feather’
    • Chappell Roan – ‘Good Luck, Babe!’
    • Sabrina Carpenter – ‘Espresso’

    Best Video 

    • Ariana Grande – ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)’
    • Charli xcx – ‘360’
    • Eminem – ‘Houdini’
    • Kendrick Lamar – ‘Not Like Us’
    • LISA ft. Rosalía – ‘New Woman’
    • Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – ‘Fortnight’

    Best Artist

    Advertisement

    • Beyoncé
    • Billie Eilish
    • Post Malone
    • RAYE
    • Sabrina Carpenter
    • Taylor Swift

    Best Collaboration 

    • Charli xcx & Billie Eilish – ‘Guess’
    • Future, Metro Boomin & Kendrick Lamar – ‘Like That’
    • Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – ‘Die With A Smile’
    • LISA ft. Rosalía – ‘New Woman’
    • Peso Pluma, Anitta – ‘Bellakeo’
    • Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – ‘Fortnight’

    Best Pop

    • Ariana Grande
    • Billie Eilish
    • Camila Cabello
    • Charli xcx
    • Dua Lipa
    • Sabrina Carpenter
    • Taylor Swift

    Best Rock

    • Bon Jovi
    • Coldplay
    • Green Day
    • Kings of Leon
    • Lenny Kravitz
    • Liam Gallagher
    • The Killers

    Best Latin

    Advertisement

    • Anitta
    • Bad Bunny
    • Karol G
    • Peso Pluma
    • Rauw Alejandro
    • Shakira

    Best K-Pop

    • Jimin
    • Jung Kook
    • LE SSERAFIM
    • Lisa
    • NewJeans
    • Stray Kids

    Best Alternative

    • Fontaines D.C.
    • Hozier
    • Imagine Dragons
    • Lana Del Rey
    • Twenty One Pilots
    • Yungblud

    Best Electronic

    • Calvin Harris
    • David Guetta
    • Disclosure
    • DJ Snake
    • Fred Again..
    • Swedish House Mafia

    Best Hip-Hop

    • Central Cee
    • Eminem
    • Kendrick Lamar
    • Megan Thee Stallion
    • Nicki Minaj
    • Travis Scott

    Best Live Performance 

    • Adele
    • Coldplay
    • Doja Cat
    • RAYE
    • Taylor Swift
    • Travis Scott

    Biggest Fans

    • Anitta
    • Ariana Grande
    • Beyoncé
    • Billie Eilish
    • Chappell Roan
    • Charli xcx
    • Katy Perry
    • Lisa
    • Nicki Minaj
    • Sabrina Carpenter
    • Shawn Mendes
    • Taylor Swift

    Best African Act

    • Asake
    • Ayra Starr
    • DBN Gogo
    • Diamond Platnumz
    • TitoM & Yuppe
    • Tyla

    Best Asian Act

    • Bini
    • Illit
    • Mahalini
    • Masdo
    • Sakurazaka46

    Best Australian Act

    • Confidence Man
    • Cyril
    • Kylie Minogue
    • Sia
    • The Kid LAROI
    • Troye Sivan

    Best Austrian Act

    • Bilderbuch
    • Christina Stürmer
    • Esther Graf
    • Money Boy
    • RAF Camora
    • Wanda

    Best Brasillian Act

    • Jão
    • Luisa Sonza
    • Matuê
    • Pabllo Vittar
    • Pedro Sampaio

    Best Canadian Act

    • AR Paisley
    • Kaytranada
    • Nelly Furtado
    • Shawn Mendes
    • Tate McRae

    Best Caribbean Act

    • Eladio Carrion
    • Luar la L
    • Myke Towers
    • YovngChimi
    • Young Miko

    Best Dutch Act

    • Claude
    • Jonna Fraser
    • Mr. Belt & Wezol
    • Roxy Dekker
    • Son Mieux

    Best French Act

    • Aya Nakamura
    • Dadju & Tayc
    • GIMS
    • Pierre Garnier
    • Slimane
    • Vitaa

    Best German Act 

    • AYLIVA
    • K.I.Z
    • Luciano
    • Pashanim
    • Shirin David

    Best Indian Act

    • Armaan Malik
    • Chirag Todi
    • Dee MC & EPR
    • Hanumankind
    • Kamakshi Khanna
    • Mali

    Best Italian Act

    • Angelina Mango
    • Annalisa
    • Ghali
    • Mahmood
    • The Kolors

    Best Israeli Act

    • Agam Buhbut
    • Anna Zak
    • Noa Kirel
    • Shahar Saul
    • Shahar Tavoch

    Best Latin America Central Act

    • Beele
    • Blessd
    • Kapo
    • Manuel Turizo
    • Sofia Castro

    Best Latin America North Act

    • Danna
    • El Malilla
    • Gabito Ballesteros
    • Natanael Cano
    • YeriMua

    Best Latin America South Act

    • Dillom
    • Emilia
    • Luck Ra
    • Maria Becerra
    • Trueno

    Best Nordic Act

    • Alesso
    • Girl in Red
    • Laufey
    • Swedish House Mafia
    • Zara Larsson

    Best Polish Act

    • Daria Zawiałow
    • Kacperczyk
    • Kwiat Jabłoni
    • Pro8l3m
    • Zalewski

    Best Portuguese Act

    • Bárbara Bandeira
    • Bárbara Tinoco
    • Dillaz
    • Ivandro
    • Slow J

    Best Spanish Act

    • Ana Mena
    • Belén Aguilera
    • Dani Fernández
    • Lola Indigo
    • Mikel Izal

    Best Swiss Act

    • Benjamin Amaru
    • Faber
    • Nemo
    • Priya Ragu
    • Stress

    Best UK & Ireland Act

    • Central Cee
    • Charli xcx
    • Chase & Status
    • Dua Lipa
    • Hozier
    • RAYE

    Best US Act

    • Ariana Grande
    • Beyoncé
    • Kendrick Lamar
    • Sabrina Carpenter
    • Taylor Swift
  • Ayra Starr reveals reason she prefers Ghanaian jollof rice

    Ayra Starr reveals reason she prefers Ghanaian jollof rice

    Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has said she’s prefer Ghanaian jollof rice over the Nigerian version.

    The ‘Bad Vibes’ hitmaker during a recent interview with  BET Amplified, said she enjoys Ghanaian jollof rice, citing the garnishing as the reason for her choice.

    The 21-year-old music star when asked the difference, explained that she prefers, “Ghanaian jollof”, adding that “I mean they are both really amazing. I grew up with Nigerian jollof rice. Nigerian jollof is practically called party rice, so people eat it at parties. It is like a celebratory food.”

    “The culture around it is that they usually use a big pot to cook it outside, so it kind of burns and it is smoky. So it is smoky jollof rice, that is what it is called. Ghanaian jollof rice has like things inside but for Nigerian jollof, the protein, vegetables are outside if you are having anything else. So it is two different vibes,”she stressed.

  • Full List: Ayra Starr, Burna Boy loses out at 2024 MTV VMAs

    Full List: Ayra Starr, Burna Boy loses out at 2024 MTV VMAs

    Nigerian trio consisting of Damini Ogulu, known better as Burna Boy; Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, and Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, all failed to clinch an award at the just concluded MTV Video Music Awards which held at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on September 11, 2024.

    American star, Taylor Swift, however emerged as the standout performer, after dominating the MTV Video with seven wins, including the night’s top Video of the Year award.

    On the other hand, South African artist Tyla dominated the male-dominated category of best Afrobeats with her hit Water, edging out both Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tems.

    “The global impact that Water had on the world just proves that African music can be pop music, too,” Tyla remarked after winning the award in Elmont, New York.

    She remarked that the award carried a “bittersweet” sentiment, as there is a tendency to categorize all African artists within the Afrobeats genre, emphasizing that African music encompasses a rich diversity that extends beyond just Afrobeats.

    Below is the Full List of winners at the 2024 MTV VMAs.

    • VIDEO OF THE YEAR
      Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”
      Billie Eilish – “Lunch”
      Doja Cat – “Paint The Town Red”
      Eminem – “Houdini”
      SZA – “Snooze”
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” — WINNER
    • ARTIST OF THE YEAR
      Ariana Grande
      Bad Bunny
      Eminem
      Sabrina Carpenter
      SZA
      Taylor Swift — WINNER
    • SONG OF THE YEAR
    • Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em”
    • Jack Harlow – “Lovin On Me”
    • Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
    • Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” — WINNER
    • Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
    • Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”
    • BEST NEW ARTIST
      Benson Boone
      Chappell Roan — WINNER
      Gracie Abrams
      Shaboozey
      Teddy Swims
      Tyla
    • BEST COLLABORATION
      Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy “
      GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be”
      Jessie Murph ft. Jelly Roll – “Wild Ones”
      Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven”
      Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help”
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” — WINNER
    • BEST POP
      Camila Cabello
      Dua Lipa
      Olivia Rodrigo
      Sabrina Carpenter
      Tate McRae
      Taylor Swift — WINNER
    • BEST HIP-HOP
      Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy “
      Eminem – “Houdini” — WINNER
      GloRilla – “Yeah Glo!”
      Gunna – “Fukumean”
      Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”
      Travis Scott ft. Playboi Carti – “FE!N”
    • BEST R&B
      Alicia Keys – “Lifeline”
      Muni Long – “Made For Me”
      SZA – “Snooze” — WINNER
      Tyla – “Water”
      Usher, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good” –
      Victoria Monét – “On My Mama”
    • BEST ALTERNATIVE
      Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things” — WINNER
      Bleachers – “Tiny Moves”
      Hozier – “Too Sweet”
      Imagine Dragons – “Eyes Closed”
      Linkin Park – “Friendly Fire”
      Teddy Swims – “Lose Control (Live)”
    • BEST ROCK
      Bon Jovi – “Legendary”
      Coldplay – “Feelslikeimfallinginlove”
      Green Day – “Dilemma”
      Kings of Leon – “Mustang”
      Lenny Kravitz – “Human” — WINNER
      U2 – “Atomic City”
    • BEST LATIN
      Anitta – “Mil Veces” — WINNER
      Bad Bunny – “Monaco”
      Karol G – “Mi Ex Tenia Razon”
      Myke Towers – “Lala”
      Peso Pluma & Anitta – “Bellakeo”
      Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky”
      Shakira & Cardi B – “Puntería”
    • BEST AFROBEATS
      Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
      Burna Boy – “City Boys”
      Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational”
      Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
      Tyla – “Water” — WINNER
      Usher, Pheelz – “Ruin”
    • BEST K-POP
      Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven”
      Lisa – “Rockstar” — WINNER
      NCT Dream – “Smoothie”
      NewJeans – “Super Shy”
      Stray Kids – “Lalalala”
      Tomorrow X Together – “Deja vu”
    • VIDEO FOR GOOD
      Alexander Stewart – “If You Only Knew”
      Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From the Motion Picture “Barbie”)” — WINNER
      Coldplay – “Feelslikeimfallinginlove”
      Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll – “Best for Me”
      Raye – “Genesis”
      Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
    • BEST DIRECTION
      Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Directed by Christian Breslauer
      Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” – Directed by Alex Lockett & Margaret Qualley
      Eminem – “Houdini” – Directed by Rich Lee
      Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr.
      Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Directed by Bardia Zeinali
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Directed by Taylor Swift — WINNER
    • BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
      Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Cinematography by Anatol Trofimov — WINNER
      Charli XCX – “Von Dutch” – Cinematography by Jeff Bierman
      Dua Lipa – “Illusion” – Cinematography by Nikita Kuzmenko
      Olivia Rodrigo – “Obsessed” – Cinematography by Marz Miller
      Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Cinematography by Camilo Monsalve
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto
    • BEST EDITING
      Anitta – “Mil Veces” – Editing by Nick Yumul
      Ariana Grande – “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)” – Editing by Luis Caraza Peimbert
      Eminem – “Houdini” – Editing by David Checel
      Lisa – “Rockstar” – Editing by Nik Kohler
      Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” – Editing by Jai Shukla
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Editing by Chancler Haynes — WINNER
    • BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
      Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” – Choreography by Margaret Qualley
      Dua Lipa – “Houdini” – Choreography by Charm La’Donna — WINNER
      Lisa – “Rockstar” – Choreography by Sean Bankhead
      Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky” – Choreography by Felix ‘Fefe’ Burgos
      Tate McRae – “Greedy” – Choreography by Sean Bankhead
      Troye Sivan – “Rush” – Choreography by Sergio Reis, Mauro Van De Kerkhof
    • BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
      Ariana Grande – “The Boy is Mine” – Visual Effects by Digital Axis
      Eminem – “Houdini” – Visual Effects by Synapse Virtual Production, Louise Lee, Rich Lee, Metaphysic, Flawless Post — WINNER
      Justin Timberlake – “Selfish” – Visual Effects by Candice Dragonas
      Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Visual Effects by Mathematic
      Olivia Rodrigo – “Get Him Back!” – Visual Effects by Cooper Vacheron, Preston Mohr, Karen Arakelian, Justin Johnson
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Visual Effects by Parliament
    • BEST ART DIRECTION
      Charli XCX – “360” – Art Direction by Grace Surnow
      Lisa – “Rockstar” – Art Direction by Pongsan Thawatwichian
      Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” – Art Direction by Brittany Porter — WINNER
      Olivia Rodrigo – “Bad Idea Right?” – Art Direction by Nicholas des Jardins
      Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” – Art Direction by Nicholas des Jardins
      Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” – Art Direction by Ethan Tobman
  • Ayra Starr performs at America’ Tonight Show

    Ayra Starr performs at America’ Tonight Show

    Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, is rapidly becoming a household name as an artist from Africa, after making her US TV debut on ‘The Tonight Show’ hosted by Jimmy Fallon.

    The 22-year-old single thrilled the audience with an electrifying performance of her songs from highly praised album, ‘The Year I Turned 21.’

    Her performance began with the R&B themed ‘Last Heartbreak Song’ featuring Giveon, before climaxing with the Afrobeats bop, ‘Woman Commando’ featuring Anitta and Coco Jones.

    Starr’s mesmerising dance steps also added flavour to the scintillating performance.

    The songstress now joins the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Fireboy and Asake on the list of Nigerian artistes to perform on the iconic TV show.

    Ayra Starr has captivated fans and earned numerous awards with her enchanting melodies and versatility since the release of her debut self-titled EP in 2021.

    Her first album ’19 & Dangerous’ featured the hit song ‘Rush,’ which received numerous accolades such as a diamond certification in France, the most-watched music video by a Nigerian female artist, and a Grammy nomination for Best African Song Performance.

  • Ayra Starr, Tems become Nigeria’s most streamed musicians in 2024 – Spotify

    Ayra Starr, Tems become Nigeria’s most streamed musicians in 2024 – Spotify

    Nigerian singers, Ayra Starr and Tems have been named as the most streamed Nigerian artists globally for the first half of 2024.

    This is according to Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.

    He revealed the rankings during an announcement in Lagos.

    The top 30 artists with the highest global streaming numbers were highlighted in Spotify’s Global Impact List for 2024, the News Agency of Nigeria first reported.

    Ayra Starr and Rauw Alejandro’s “Santa” topped the list, while Ayra Starr’s “Comma” secured the second spot.

    Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” followed closely in third place. Other notable tracks include Luciano and Omah Lay’s “Another Vibe” at fourth, and Savage and Burna Boy’s “Metro Boomin Just Like Me” in fifth. Tems and Tyla’s “No.1” came in sixth.

    “Spotify has unveiled its Global Impact List in Nigeria, recognizing the top 30 Nigerian tracks with the most global impact during the first half of 2024,” Okumu said. “This list showcases Nigerian tracks that have garnered the most international listens from January 1 to June 30.”

    “Tshwala Bam” ninth. Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song” took the tenth spot, followed by Victony’s “Everything” at the eleventh, and Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr’s “Hype” at the twelfth. Tems and J. Cole’s “Free Fall” came in the thirteenth.

    “Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions,” Okumu noted. She noted its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries as truly remarkable. At “Spotify, we are thrilled to witness and support the continued evolution of this vibrant scene.”

    Okumu emphasized the significant presence of female artists, especially Ayra Starr and Tems, who are leading with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases. She also highlighted the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.

    These collaborations, ranging from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, underscore the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.

    Other prominent Nigerian artists include Usher and Burna Boy with “Coming Home” in the fourteenth and Ayra Starr and Seyi Vibez’s “Bad Vibes” in the fifteenth, among others.