Ayra Starr Burna Boy collaboration tops the singer’s wish list as the Grammy nominee reflects on success and plans new music

Two time Grammy nominee Ayra Starr, born Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, has named Burna Boy as her top choice for a future collaboration, saying the Afrobeats star remains her number one artistic goal.

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The Nigerian singer made the disclosure during a Billboard interview released on Thursday, where she spoke with Love Island USA personality Chelley Bissainthe while reflecting on her 2026 Grammy nominations.

Ayra Starr said Burna Boy stands out among the many artists she hopes to work with, noting that while she has collaborated widely, her creative ambitions remain expansive.

The remarks come as Ayra Starr celebrates a nomination for Best African Music Performance for Gimme Dat, her collaboration with Wizkid released on 25 April 2025.

The Grammy nominations were announced in November ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for 1 February 2026.

Reacting to the recognition, the singer described the second nomination as a powerful moment of reassurance in her career, contrasting it with the shock and disbelief she felt after her first nomination.

Ayra Starr said the latest nod affirmed her confidence as an artist and reinforced her belief in trusting her instincts and faith as her career continues to evolve.

Speaking about Gimme Dat, the singer said she only learned during recording that the track samples 911 by Wyclef Jean and Mary J Blige, a discovery that added symbolic meaning to the project.

She revealed that the song was recorded in Wyclef Jean’s studio, a coincidence she only realised later, describing the experience as one that felt destined.

Ayra Starr also acknowledged struggling vocally during the early recording sessions, saying determination and persistence helped shape the final version of the song.

The singer disclosed that Gimme Dat was initially planned as a solo release before Wizkid joined the project, adding that the collaboration came together at the right moment.

Reflecting on the growing global profile of African music, Ayra Starr said the current wave of recognition signals a broader cultural shift, describing the moment as Africa’s time on the world stage.