Nigerian Afropop sensation Ayra Starr has reignited enthusiasm among music fans worldwide after sharing her surreal experience of meeting iconic artist Rihanna, who she credits as her ultimate inspiration. During a candid interview with Canada’s ETalk TV, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter gushed about her admiration for the Barbadian superstar, calling her “an amazing person to look up to” and revealing a mutual artistic appreciation that left her starstruck.
Starr recounted the life-changing moment she first interacted with Rihanna, emphasizing the billionaire entrepreneur’s unexpected admission of being a fan of her work. “It still feels like a dream,” said Starr, reflecting on their meeting. “People always say, ‘never meet your idols,’ but I’m so glad I met mine. The fact that she loves my music — I’m my favorite artist’s favorite artist. That’s everything.”
The Rush crooner’s admiration for Rihanna transcends musical influence, highlighting her role as a cultural trailblazer. “She’s such an amazing artist, woman, and person in general,” Starr continued, acknowledging the “Work” singer’s impact on her career and personal growth. She humorously admitted to fumbling through their interactions, confessing, “When I get nervous around her, I try to make unnecessary jokes.”
Starr’s rise from a burgeoning talent signed to Mavin Records in 2021 to a globally recognized name has drawn comparisons to Rihanna’s own genre-defying journey. Both artists share a reputation for blending emotive lyricism with cross-cultural appeal — a synergy fans speculate could fuel a future collaboration. Starr confirmed these hopes, expressing eagerness to work with Rihanna, though she offered no specifics on potential projects.
The revelation underscores a generational shift in global music, where African artists like Starr increasingly influence mainstream pop culture. Her breakthrough singles, including Bloody Samaritan and Sability, have amassed millions of streams, cementing her status as a leading voice in Afrobeats’ meteoric rise. Rihanna’s endorsement — coupled with recent praise from artists like Kelly Rowland and Meg Thee Stallion — further solidifies Starr’s position as a genre-spanning powerhouse.
While Starr’s star continues ascending, her reverence for Rihanna illuminates the enduring impact of mentorship in music. “I know I chose a great role model,” she affirmed, emphasizing the value of humility and authenticity — traits both artists share. As anticipation builds for new music from Rihanna, who last released an album in 2016, fans now wonder whether the duo’s mutual fandom might finally translate into a chart-topping partnership. For now, Starr remains focused on the surreal joy of defying the age-old warning about meeting heroes. “She’s everything I imagined and more,” the singer concluded.
