Ayra Starr Comes of Age: “The Year I Turned 21” Marks a Milestone in Artistry

Arya Starr’s latest album, The Year I Turned 21, marks a significant cultural milestone in the young artist’s career, reflecting her growth and connection to her roots. This album serves as a coming-of-age narrative, showcasing her evolution as an artist while maintaining the unique sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.

A Fusion of Sounds and Cultures

Ayra Starr’s music has always blended various influences, and The Year I Turned 21 is no exception. The album seamlessly integrates elements of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, creating a sound that is both universally appealing and distinctly Nigerian. This fusion is most evident in tracks like “Commas,” which blends soulful vocals with the rhythmic beats characteristic of African music. The production of “Commas,” handled by notable hitmakers such as LONDON and P2J, stands out for its pristine yet understated quality. The song’s lyrics, which talk about embracing confidence and resilience, resonate deeply with listeners. Ayra Starr’s comment that the song is a “love letter to people who have rejected me at any point” highlights her connection to the music, offering a message of empowerment and self-worth.

Embracing Personal Growth

The Year I Turned 21 is more than just a collection of songs; it reflects Ayra Starr’s journey. The album’s title itself suggests a milestone, a significant year in her life that marks her transition into adulthood. This theme of growth and self-discovery is woven throughout the album, making it a deeply personal project. In interviews, Ayra Starr has expressed how the album captures her experiences and emotions as she navigates the complexities of growing up in the public eye. Her Grammy-nominated track “Rush” set the stage for this album, highlighting her ability to create music that is both relatable and inspiring.

Cultural Resonance

Ayra Starr’s music celebrates African culture, and this album continues to honour her roots. By incorporating Pidgin English and traditional African rhythms, she creates a sound authentically African yet accessible to a global audience. This cultural resonance is crucial in today’s music industry, where there is a growing appreciation for diverse voices and perspectives.

This cultural impact is echoed by global superstar Rihanna, who once remarked on Ayra Starr’s potential:

You have the type of voice that can take over the males and take over the girls. You are here to take over both sides of the industry.

Rihanna’s recognition underscores Ayra Starr’s burgeoning influence and the global potential of her music.

Critical Reception

The critical reception of The Year I Turned 21 has been overwhelmingly positive. Reviewers have praised Ayra Starr for her vocal prowess and her ability to craft songs that are both emotionally rich and musically complex. Critics have noted the album’s ability to blend soulful songwriting with modern production techniques, creating a sound that feels both fresh and timeless. The album’s ability to convey profound personal experiences while maintaining a broad appeal is a testament to Ayra Starr’s artistic talent and vision.

Track-by-Track Review 

• “Birds Sing of Money:” The album opens with “Birds Sing of Money,” featuring a unique intro that sets a culturally rich tone. Ayra Starr’s brother commissioned a Fuji singer to create a song celebrating her, a distinctly Yoruba gesture of admiration and pride. The music weaves this traditional influence with modern Afropop elements, symbolising Starr’s roots and her journey towards financial and personal success.

• “Goodbye (Warm Up)” (with Asake): A favourite of Starr’s, this track showcases her collaboration with Asake, a prominent figure in the Afrobeats scene. The song is a powerful blend of their distinct styles, creating an infectious rhythm. Asake’s verse adds depth to the music, emphasising themes of change and transition, central to the album’s narrative of growth and new beginnings.

• “Commas:” This track celebrates Ayra Starr’s achievements and gratitude for her journey. The lyrics reflect her appreciation for her blessings and the anticipation of future successes. It is a vibrant, upbeat song that combines Afropop with hints of R&B, embodying Starr’s optimistic outlook and relentless work ethic.

• “Woman Commando” (with Anitta & Coco Jones): A fusion of Afrobeats, amapiano, and Latin pop, “Woman Commando” features contributions from Anitta and Coco Jones. The track is a powerful anthem of female empowerment and international collaboration, with each artist bringing their unique flair to the song. The log drums and vibrant beats make it a standout track on the album.

In a recent interview, Coco Jones expressed her admiration for Ayra Starr, highlighting her unique talent and style. She described Ayra Starr as a “really cool person” and said she was destined to be a star. However, some fans misunderstood Coco’s comments, interpreting them as undermining Ayra Starr’s current success. This misunderstanding led to unnecessary comparisons and competition between the two artists, which detracted from their accomplishments. Both Coco Jones and Ayra Starr bring their unique strengths to the music industry, and their collaboration on “Woman Commando” exemplifies their collective power and talent

• “Control:” In Control, Starr explores themes of autonomy and intimacy. The song’s lyrics delve into the complexities of desire and control, asking whether relinquishing control equates to submission. The track’s sultry beats and introspective lyrics create a compelling narrative about personal agency and emotional vulnerability.

• “Lagos Love Story:” This track captures the euphoric yet unsettling feeling of intense happiness. Set against the backdrop of Lagos, it narrates a love story filled with joy and slight apprehension. The song’s upbeat tempo and romantic lyrics create a captivating portrayal of love in a bustling city.

• “Rhythm & Blues:” Released as a single in 2023, “Rhythm & Blues” blends Afropop with soulful R&B influences. The lyrics, which refer to a male love interest as a muse, challenge traditional gender norms in songwriting. The track is a personal reflection and a celebration of love’s inspirational power.

• “21:” Written as a 21st birthday gift from a friend, this song marks a significant milestone in Starr’s life. It is deeply personal, reflecting on her journey and the lessons she has learned. The track’s introspective lyrics and mellow beats encapsulate the essence of turning 21 and the introspection it brings.

• “Last Heartbreak Song (with GIVĒON):” Featuring GIVĒON, this song is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of a heartbreak. The emotional depth of GIVĒON’s verse complements Starr’s reflective lyrics, creating a powerful narrative about love and loss. The song’s mellow beats and haunting melodies make it a highlight of the album.

• “Bad Vibes (with Seyi Vibez):” A collaboration with Seyi Vibez, “Bad Vibes” uses Yoruba idioms to convey resilience and self-confidence. The song’s hook, translated as “Don’t poke me in my eye or don’t hit me in my eye. I don’t break. I’m good,” emphasises strength and self-assurance. The track’s energetic beats and catchy lyrics make it an anthem of defiance and positivity.

Bad Vibes feat. Seyi Vibez music video out now@maesumaesu @mystroofficial

Shout out to my amazingly talented brother for directing this dope video @bushboymarc pic.twitter.com/8jmM0va9VI

— Celestial being (@ayrastarr) May 10, 2024

• “Orun:” This highlife-inspired track juxtaposes upbeat rhythms with themes of mental health and depression. “Orun” stands out for its candid discussion of mental well-being, set against a backdrop of joyful highlife music, creating a powerful and thought-provoking song.

• “Jazzy’s Song:” A tribute to Don Jazzy, the song samples a production from Wande Coal’s “You Bad.” The track is a nod to Jazzy’s influence on Starr’s career and a celebration of his contributions to the Nigerian music industry. The song’s vibrant beats and nostalgic elements make it a standout tribute.

• “1942 (with Milar):” An introspective and vulnerable track with her brother, “1942” reflects on the moments of relaxation and reflection that make hard work worthwhile. The song, inspired by a vacation on her birthday, blends mellow beats with introspective lyrics, creating a soothing and reflective atmosphere.

• “The Kids Are Alright:” This track addresses the impact of childhood trauma and the importance of acknowledging and healing from past experiences. The song’s introspective lyrics and mellow beats provide a comforting and reassuring message about resilience and self-acceptance.

• “Santa (with Rvssian & Rauw Alejandro):” A global collaboration featuring Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, “Santa” blends Afropop with Latin influences. The song, sung partly in Spanish, highlights Starr’s versatility and her ability to create music that transcends cultural boundaries. It’s a lively and infectious track that turned to be a global hit.

The Year I Turned 21 is not just an album; it’s a milestone in a journey that has seen a young talent rise to become a beacon of African music. With her sophomore album, Starr is poised to shine even brighter, her music reflecting the luminosity of a star who has genuinely come of age. Born in Cotonou, Benin, Ayra Starr’s musical journey began with her debut EP in 2021, which introduced her unique blend of Afropop, R&B, and alté. Her first album, 19 & Dangerous, was a bold introduction, featuring hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Fashion Killer” that resonated with fans globally.

However, it was her single “Rush” from the deluxe version of the album that catapulted her into the spotlight. The track became the most streamed solo song by a Nigerian female artist on Spotify and earned her a spot in former U.S President Barack Obama’s annual year-end playlist in 2022. Starr’s success is a testament to her talent and the growing global influence of Afrobeats. Her music, described as ‘high vibrational,’ has been a part of the genre’s international takeover.

Starr’s music often addresses themes of youth, love, and resilience, resonating with a broad audience and earning her critical acclaim. With her bold fashion sense and charismatic presence, she has also become a style icon, influencing trends and representing the dynamic spirit of contemporary African youth.

Album is fully out on all music platforms, take a listen.

And hey, we’re all sabi girl or boy, aren’t we?

Source: Apple Music & ELLE

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Ikenna Churchill

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