Two-time Grammy nominee Ayra Starr, born Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, has revealed that Burna Boy tops her list of dream collaborators, describing him as her “number one person” she wishes to work with.
The ‘Sabi Girl’ crooner made the disclosure in an interview with Billboard, shared on Thursday, while speaking with Love Island USA star Chelley Bissainthe about her 2026 Grammy nominations.
“Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with. I’ve collaborated with a lot of people, and I still want to collaborate with many more,” Ayra Starr said.
Ayra Starr earned a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance for her collaboration with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat,” released on April 25, 2025. The nominations were announced in November 2025, ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026.
Reflecting on the recognition, the singer described it as a moment of reassurance in her artistic journey.
“I remember I was so excited. I was like, ‘Oh my God. I knew it.’ Every day I feel grateful — it’s still surreal being a two-time Grammy nominee,” she said.
Comparing both nominations, Ayra explained that while the first felt overwhelming, the second affirmed her confidence in her craft.
“The first time, it was like, ‘This is crazy.’ The second time, it felt like reassurance — like, ‘I know what I’m doing.’ Maybe I just need to trust God and myself more,” she added.
Speaking about “Gimme Dat,” which samples ‘911’ by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, Ayra admitted she didn’t initially recognize the origin of the sample.
“To be honest, I was born in 2002, so I didn’t know the song until Don Jazzy told me it was a ‘911’ sample. I did my research and went, ‘Wow.’ The funny thing is, I recorded it in Wyclef’s studio without even knowing. It felt like everything was meant to be.”
Ayra also revealed she struggled with her vocals while recording the track.
“I sounded horrible the first day. The engineer knew it too,” she laughed. “But I went back the next day determined to sound better. My voice was still rough, but I gave it my all — and thank God for technology, it came out beautiful.”
The singer revealed that “Gimme Dat” was initially meant to be a solo single before Wizkid joined the project.
“I recorded it about six to eight months before it came out. When Wizkid jumped on it, I knew it was time — everything came together perfectly.”
Looking ahead, Ayra Starr expressed optimism about the global rise of African music, describing it as a long-overdue moment.
“It’s Africa’s time, music-wise. We’ve always made great music — the world is just catching up,” she said.
She also teased new creative projects, revealing plans for both an album and a book.
“One thing I’m doing this year is creating whatever I want to exist,” Ayra said. “I’m working on an album — and by God’s grace, a book too.”
