Afrobeats star Ayra Starr is setting her sights on global greatness, and she has some of the world’s biggest rappers on her dream collaboration list.
In a recent interview with Complex, the Nigerian hitmaker revealed a lineup of artists she would love to work with, and the names span continents and generations. From rap royalty Jay Z to modern chart-toppers like Central Cee, Young Thug, and Dave, Ayra made it clear she is ready to step into bold new creative spaces.
“I think for my inner child, I need a song with Jay Z. I would make her so proud,” she said, surprising many fans with the inclusion of the hip-hop mogul. The generation gap between the 22-year-old Nigerian star and the legendary rapper might be wide, but her respect for his legacy is even wider. And with her connection to Roc Nation, Jay Z’s entertainment company, the collaboration might not be too far-fetched.
On the UK front, Ayra praised Central Cee, calling a potential record between them something that would “sound great.” She also named Dave, the Brit Award-winning rapper known for his lyrical genius and previous collaborations with Nigerian acts like Burna Boy, Boj, and Oxlade.
Stateside, Ayra spoke fondly of Young Thug, saying, “I grew up on Young Thug. He’s still amazing. He’s still a G.” She also expressed admiration for ian, the young American rapper who broke through with the viral hit Magic Johnson.
Though Ayra Starr hasn’t featured heavily alongside rappers in her discography, she is clearly open to pushing genre boundaries. With her growing international profile marked by recent wins at the MOBO Awards and BET Awards, these collaborations could be right around the corner.
The rising star is also keeping the momentum going in 2025. After her standout performance on Gimme Dat alongside Wizkid, she has teased a new single, hinting at even more exciting music on the way.
As Ayra continues to break new ground for African women in music, fans will be eagerly watching to see which of these dream collaborations becomes reality.
