How Ayra Starr Balances Fame, Family, & Mental Health as a Gen Z Music Icon

by Leyira Virtue Barisuka

She’s bold, talented, and unapologetically Gen Z. But despite her sky-high fame, Ayra Starr remains shockingly grounded. As one of the fastest-rising music stars from Nigeria, she’s touring global stages, topping international charts, and collaborating with superstars. But behind the lights, what’s most fascinating is how Ayra Starr balances fame, family, and everything in between with grace, authenticity, and fierce self-awareness.

In an industry where young stars often burn out or lose themselves, Ayra Starr stands out as someone who knows who she is, where she’s from, and where she’s going. From making time for her family to protecting her peace, here’s what we can all learn from her remarkable balancing act.

 

Who Is Ayra Starr?

How Ayra Starr Balances Fame, Family, & Mental Health as a Gen Z Music IconBefore exploring how Ayra Starr balances fame and personal life, let’s know who she is.

Her real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe. Ayra Starr began her journey as a teenage model and cover song singer on Instagram. Her talent quickly caught the attention of Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy, and the rest is Afro-pop history.

Her breakout single “Away” introduced her as a soulful voice with attitude. But it was her hit track “Bloody Samaritan” and the viral success of her debut album 19 & Dangerous that made her an international name. By 2023, she had become the first Nigerian female artist to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Still in her early 20s, she’s already walking red carpets, winning awards, and touring the world. Yet, Ayra Starr’s lifestyle choices, her openness about family, and her boundary-setting remind us that she’s not just here for fame—she’s here to live fully and intentionally.

 

5 key things Ayra Starr teaches young Nigerians

1. She’s a Superstar Who Still Makes Time for Family

You’d think someone constantly hopping from one continent to another wouldn’t have time to check in with mom, right? Not Ayra.

One of the most incredible aspects of Ayra Starr’s ability to balance stardom and family life is the continued involvement of her family in her life. Her mom, in particular, isn’t just a supportive figure; she’s her co-pilot.

“My mom is my manager and best friend in one,” Ayra said in an interview.

Now that’s goals. Even with her busy schedule, she always makes time for her family, whether it’s sharing birthday shoutouts, posting cute photos on social media, or sharing stories about growing up with her siblings. It’s that connection that keeps her grounded when everything around her is moving so fast.

 

2. Ayra Starr Protects Her Mental Health in a High-Pressure Industry

Fame is overwhelming, and Ayra doesn’t pretend like it’s not. Instead of pushing through burnout or pretending she’s always okay, she’s been refreshingly honest about needing space and protecting her peace.

In an interview, she once said:

“If I’m not good mentally, I can’t give good music or good energy.”

And she’s right. That’s one of the key things Ayra Starr teaches young Nigerians: you don’t have to be strong all the time. You can rest, unplug, and take care of your mental health, especially in an industry where people expect you to be “on” 24/7.

Ayra’s setting a new standard for what it means to be a healthy, high-achieving young woman. And we love her for it.

READ ALSO:

 

3. Ayra Starr Balances Stardom with Faith and Spirituality

Here’s something you might not expect from a pop star who wears crop tops and performs at global music festivals: Ayra Starr is deeply spiritual.

She consistently expresses gratitude to God for her journey and openly discusses divine timing. It’s not performative, it’s just who she is. Whether she’s on stage or in interviews, she’s quick to mention that her success is bigger than her talent, but it’s gracious, too.

That spiritual backbone is part of how Ayra Starr balances fame. It keeps her centred in an industry where it’s easy to lose yourself. For many young Nigerians trying to balance ambition with faith, Ayra demonstrates that you don’t have to choose one over the other.

 

4. Ayra Starr Expresses Herself Fully Without Apology

One scroll through Ayra’s Instagram and you know she’s not here to blend in. Her style? Loud, playful, and bold. Her captions? Confident, unfiltered. Her attitude? 100% herself.

People have criticised her looks, her clothes, her confidence, but Ayra doesn’t flinch.

“I dress how I feel, not how people want me to feel,” she once tweeted.

That energy is infectious. 

In a world that constantly tells young women to tone it down, Ayra Starr’s message is the opposite. She says turn it up, be bold, be expressive, and most importantly BE YOU!

Yet, behind that fierce style is also a deeply introspective, family-loving girl who prays, rests, and reflects. That duality, strong yet soft, is part of how Ayra Starr balances stardom and everything in between.

 

Ayra Starr Balances Fame and Education

Not many know that Ayra Starr completed a university degree before becoming a full-time music star. She graduated at the age of 18 from Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic, where she studied international relations and political science. She still studied even as she was building a career in modelling and music.

Her clear message to fans is that “Education is never wasted.”

This focus on self-development shows that Ayra Starr values long-term growth, not just short-term fame. And in a time when “blowing” is the goal for many young creatives, she’s a reminder that preparation still matters.

Her educational background also helps her in interviews, negotiations, and handling the business side of music. It’s part of how she balances fame with wisdom, something many young stars overlook.

 

How Ayra Starr Deals with Online Criticism and Pressure

How Ayra Starr Balances Fame, Family, & Mental Health as a Gen Z Music IconIn the age of Twitter callouts and Instagram trolls, how Ayra Starr manages negativity is another key part of her balance.

She’s faced her share of backlash; from outfit criticism to accusations of being “too much.” But she rarely claps back. Instead, she lets her work speak.

“I’m not here to explain myself to anyone. I’m here to grow, love, and win,” she once said.

Her poise teaches young artists and influencers that not every opinion matters. Ayra Starr’s method of navigating online pressure is a valuable survival skill in today’s digital world.

 

Conclusion: Ayra’s Blueprint for a Balanced Life

How Ayra Starr balances fame, family, and everything in between isn’t just impressive, it’s revolutionary. She’s proof that you can be everything: a global artist, a grounded daughter, a mental health advocate, a fashion icon, and a soft yet powerful woman.

In a culture where young women are told to either “focus on marriage” or “chase the bag,” Ayra Starr is creating a new narrative which is one that allows for joy, ambition, rest, growth, and boundaries.

She is not just 19 & Dangerous, she’s 20-something and wise.

And if there’s one thing her journey teaches us, it’s that you don’t have to lose yourself to win the world.

 

Showcase Nigeria Through Your Lens – Join Our Open Call for Creators

Are you a photographer, videographer, or content creator passionate about capturing Nigeria’s beauty, from fashion runways and cultural festivals to tourist landmarks and local events? Our Open Call for Content Creators in Nigeria is your opportunity to get featured, collaborate, and bring authentic Nigerian stories to life. Whether you’re into travel, lifestyle, or visual storytelling, we want to see Nigeria through your eyes.

Discover the Latest Buzz in Nigeria’s Entertainment Scene — Stay updated with breaking stories, celebrity news, and cultural happenings on our Nigeria Entertainment News page.

 

 

FAQs About Ayra Starr and Her Journey

1: Who is Ayra Starr?

Her real name is Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe (born 14 June 2002). She is a Nigerian singer and songwriter born in Benin Republic but hails from Kwara State.

2: Has Ayra Starr graduated from the university?

Ayra Starr has completed a university degree before becoming a full-time music star. She graduated at the age of 18 from Les Cours Sonou University in Benin Republic, where she studied international relations and political science.

3: Why does Ayra Starr dress the way she does?

Ayra Starr’s lifestyle is a form of self-expression. She says she dresses how she feels, and refuses to conform to traditional standards of femininity or modesty. It’s part of her message to young girls: be loud, be proud, be you.

4: Why do people call Ayra Starr a role model for Gen Z Nigerians?

Because she balances fame, authenticity, mental health, and family values with grace. She’s relatable yet aspirational, and she encourages young Nigerians to find their own version of success; not society’s version.

5: What made Ayra Starr famous?

Starr was discovered through social media. After uploading a video of her singing one of her original songs, Don Jazzy, founder of Mavin Records, sent her a DM on Instagram and invited her to the Mavin studio to record in 2020.

Leave a Comment

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00