In a separate interview with Angela Yee, Ayra Starr also justified her relocation from Nigeria to New York, in the United States.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Nigerian singer and songwriter Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has caused a stir on social media after naming her greatest Afrobeats artists of all time, otherwise called “Afrobeats Big 3.“
Speaking during a recent interview with Hot 97 FM, she listed Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema as her top three.
The Last Heartbreak Song star notably omitted the “usual suspects,” Davido and Burna Boy, who are traditionally grouped with Wizkid as the definitive “Big 3” of the genre.
“My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema. My solid Big 3,” she stated.
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Her comments elicited mixed reactions as the interview went viral. While some fans supported her choices, many netizens disagreed, insisting that Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy remain Nigeria’s pre-eminent Afrobeats stars.
Relocation to New York
Prior to this, Ayra Starr spoke with Angela Yee regarding her relocation from Nigeria to New York. She explained that her social circle and cultural interests influenced the move.
“I spent the last two summers in New York, and last summer I lived in Hell’s Kitchen for about three months with my friends. We were watching American shows and movies. It was fun.
“Also, growing up, I had always wanted to come to America. So, which city would I want to go to? LA is too far; the time difference with Nigeria is nine hours. Therefore, I chose New York,” she explained.
