27th November, 2025
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, professionally known as Ayra Starr, has officially confirmed her relocation to New York City, revealing the deeply personal reasons behind her decision.
The 23-year-old singer made the announcement during her appearance on Hot 93.7FM’s Buck N Regg show, stating that she completed the move less than two months ago. In clips from the interview which have since gone viral, the award-winning artist explained that her connection to New York has always felt natural.
According to Ayra Starr, the bustling energy of New York strongly resembles that of Lagos, making the transition feel seamless. She highlighted the significant Nigerian and African diaspora population in the city as a major factor that makes her feel at home.
“I live in New York now. I moved in officially less than two months ago, but I’m always in New York regardless. I’m a New Yorker in my spirit. New York reminds me so much of Lagos. There are lots of Nigerians here and a huge African diaspora, so it feels like home,” the “Rush” hitmaker said.
The singer admitted that she initially had reservations about permanently relocating, but a moment of clarity during one of her New York performances changed everything. She described experiencing a profound realization while on stage that convinced her the move was right.
“I was kind of sceptical about moving to New York even around that time. I remember just being on stage and feeling like I might actually move here. It was like a moment of sonder. I was like, I really like it here. I love it,” she shared.
Addressing concerns that her relocation might distance her from her Nigerian roots, Ayra Starr was emphatic about her commitment to preserving and promoting her culture. The singer stressed that her priorities remain clear and that Afrobeats is not merely a genre to her but an integral part of her identity.
“I know my priorities. I know why I’m here. My dream is to be an artist overall, above every genre. Afrobeats will always be me. It’s not just a genre to me, it’s me. Wherever I go, I’m bringing that culture and history with me,” she stated.
The “Hot Body” crooner explained that the relocation is strategic for her career evolution, emphasizing her desire to broaden her sound while maintaining her cultural authenticity. She expressed determination to make Nigerians proud on the global stage.
“I moved in definitely to broaden my sound and just to make my people proud around the world. I want to be able to carry my culture wherever I go. Even though I want more than what is given to me, I want to still say this is who I am and what I’m taking to the world,” Ayra Starr declared.
The singer also spoke passionately about Afrobeats being one of the leading genres globally, noting that there is still significant work to be done in advancing the sound and culture worldwide.
Ayra Starr last made headlines in July when she delivered an electrifying performance of “Hot Body” alongside British rock band Coldplay before a Miami audience, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most sought-after performers.