Amazon Music has named Ayra Starr, the Nigerian Afrobeats sensation its first Breakthrough Artiste, as it unveiled and premiered her new documentary, “Ayra Starr: Dare To Dream” yesterday.
According to the company, Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Artiste is a recognition that supports emerging talent through playlist features, social media campaigns, and other promotional opportunities.
Commenting on the reason for their choice, Artiste Relations at Amazon Music, Alexis Cueva said, “Ayra Starr was an obvious choice for our latest Breakthrough artist. A one-of-a-kind talent leading the exhilarating world of Afrobeats, her early successes have already been thrilling. With Ayra joining the Breakthrough family, we’re excited to support her as she continues to garner worldwide acclaim and represent Nigeria’s music scene on the global stage.”
The film, explores the personal and professional sides of Ayra Starr, showcasing the girl behind the superstar and her unstoppable drive.
Speaking to Billboard after the premiere, Ayra Starr said, “I’ve always wanted to do this to inspire African girls all over [the world], Black girls and girls in general to keep going and do what they believe they were born to do. I’m just a regular African girl, you understand. And I’ve come this far, and I want them to feel like, ‘Oh, I can relate to that.”
The 23-minute documentary which was directed and produced by HOMECOMING, offers an intimate look at Ayra Starr, the global Afrobeats sensation, and Oyinkansola, the Beninese-Nigerian girl behind the music.
The documentary follows her international journey from her hometown of Cotonou, where she is greeted by enthusiastic fans, to Lagos, where her career took off with Don Jazzy’s Mavin label. It also covers her sold-out shows in London and her appearance at the 2024 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, where she received her first nomination for Best African Music Performance with her 2022 hit single, “Rush”.