Ayra Starr’s mother promotes ‘Starr Girl’ album on Lagos streets

Ayra Starr’s mother, Nene Aderibigbe, took to the streets of Lagos to promote her daughter’s new album, Starr Girl, just days before its official release on August 14. The campaign saw Aderibigbe, who goes by Genzmummy on Instagram, join her daughter’s sister and other women in a coordinated effort to spread awareness about the upcoming project. Dressed in matching black outfits and purple headgear, the group held up placards bearing the message “Stargirl album out on the 14th of August,” as they walked through the city center. The promotional activity came amid growing anticipation for the album, which is set to follow two previous projects, 19 & Dangerous and The Year I Turned 21, both of which contributed to Ayra Starr’s rising fame within the Afrobeats scene. The promotional efforts were accompanied by a religious tone, as Aderibigbe included a prayer in the captions of her social media posts. In one instance, she wrote, “We declare starrgirl album to God in the name of the father and the son and of the holy ghost.” This spiritual element appears to align with broader themes present in the album, though specific lyrical content has yet to be fully disclosed. The event marked a rare public appearance by Aderibigbe, who is known more for her role as a mother and manager rather than as a public figure in her own right. Her involvement in the promotion underscores the close-knit nature of the family unit and the significance of the album in Ayra Starr’s artistic journey. Ayra Starr, whose real name is Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, has been steadily building her reputation since signing with Mavin Records in 2021. Her debut EP, also named Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, launched her career, followed by the critically acclaimed 19 & Dangerous in the same year. The latter received recognition beyond Nigeria, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best African Music Performance. Her second album, The Year I Turned 21, released in May 2024, further solidified her position as a leading force in Afrobeats. Songs like “Rush” and “Commas” have helped elevate her profile both locally and internationally, paving the way for Starr Girl to potentially reach even greater heights. The new album, Starr Girl, is expected to feature collaborations with some of Nigeria’s top artists. Among the confirmed guests are Wizkid, who contributes to the track “Gimme Dat,” and Rema, who lends his voice to “Who’s Dat Girl.” Other notable contributors include Kwn on “Amazing,” Theodora on “Ms. Paper,” and Leon Thomas on “Pressure.” The album will also include previously released singles such as “Tornado,” “Hot Body,” and “Where Do We Go,” alongside newer tracks like “Letter To God” and “Misunderstood.” These additions suggest a deliberate strategy to blend past successes with fresh material, offering fans a comprehensive look at Ayra Starr’s evolving sound. The release of Starr Girl represents a key milestone in Ayra Starr’s career, marking her third major studio album. It builds upon the foundation laid by her earlier work, incorporating elements of pop, R&B, and traditional Afrobeat into a cohesive narrative. The album’s title, Starr Girl, hints at a thematic exploration of identity, growth, and personal transformation, themes that have resonated strongly with her fan base. With the album set to drop on August 14, industry insiders anticipate a strong reception, given the artist’s consistent output and the support from both her family and collaborators. As the countdown to the album’s release continues, attention remains focused on how Starr Girl will shape Ayra Starr’s future trajectory. Whether through music, collaboration, or personal storytelling, the album promises to offer a glimpse into the mind and heart of one of Africa’s most promising young talents. The promotional activities led by her mother serve as a testament to the deep connection between the artist and her roots, reinforcing the cultural and familial ties that continue to influence her work.