Let’s face it, the Nigerian entertainment industry is thriving– no prayers needed for its success! We’ve been blessed with a wealth of incredible talent, and today we’re turning the spotlight on two of the brightest young stars: You’ve listened to their songs on Spotify and maybe, just maybe, lip-synched to their lyrics on TikTok. If you’re the adventurous type, then you’ve likely participated in a dance challenge to either one of their songs. They are Ayra Starr and Qing Madi, the Gen-Z female artistes taking the Nigerian music industry by storm.
Now, the real question is: who steals your heart? Team Ayra or Team Qing?
From Church Choir to Chart-Topping Queen: Ayra Starr’s Journey
Ayra Starr, whose real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, isn’t your average newcomer. This incredible artist started perfecting her skills young, belting out tunes in both school talent shows and her church’s adult choir. In 2019, she took a leap of faith, switching gears from fashion to music and uploading her own original songs on Instagram. This bold move caught the eye of the legendary Don Jazzy, who promptly scooped her up for his record label, Mavin Records. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ayra’s debut EP, aptly titled “Ayra Starr,” launched her into the mainstream in 2021. The infectious track “Away” dominated the charts, paving the way for her incredible debut album, “19 & Dangerous.” This project, a blend of Afrobeats and R&B, showcased her talent and versatility, spawning several chart-topping hits in Nigeria. “Bloody Samaritan” even made history as the first solo song by a female artist to reach number one on the Top 50 chart.
But Ayra’s reign wasn’t limited to Nigeria. In 2022, “Rush” became a global phenomenon, reaching charts in countries like Switzerland and the UK. This international success even earned her a Grammy nomination – no small feat for such a young artist! Ayra’s journey is a testament to her raw talent, unwavering dedication, and ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Teen Prodigy: Meet Qing Madi
Qing Madi’s name itself translates to “powerful, feminine” (Qing) and “heaven” (Madi) – a fitting title for this rising star. Unlike Ayra, Qing’s musical journey began at a tender age of seven! This multi-talented singer and songwriter has nearly a decade of experience under her belt, already a master of her craft. Inspired by the lyrical genius of Kendrick Lamar, Qing has a clear vision – to revolutionize the Afrobeats scene with her unique blend of genres, including pop, soul, and R&B.
Qing’s breakthrough came in 2022 with the captivating “See Finish,” which exploded on TikTok. Since then, she’s released several singles, solidifying her place as a rising star. Her performance at the prestigious Homecoming event in Lagos further cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with. With her infectious energy and genre-bending sound, Qing is quickly gaining recognition, not just in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.
A Tale of Two Queens: Similarities and Differences
Both Ayra and Qing are young, talented women pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats. They possess undeniable stage presence and a deep connection with their music. However, their journeys differ slightly. Ayra started honing her skills early but gained mainstream recognition later, while Qing exploded onto the scene at a young age. Stylistically, Ayra leans more towards Afrobeats and R&B, while Qing seamlessly blends genres, incorporating pop, soul, and even a touch of hip-hop.
Who’s More Fashionable?
Both very talented females, their individuality shines through in their unique sense of fashion. One might argue that they cannot be anymore different in that aspect but I disagree. Though tastes may differ, the two ladies mainly draw their inspiration from the Y2K era.
Ayra star
There have been a lot of opinions and hot takes on how this ‘Sabi babe’ chooses to dress and express herself. The miniskirt and crop-top style has boomed in popularity among the younger folks in the country, thanks to the Grammy nominated singer.
The 21-year old singer has never been shy in expressing herself through what she wears. Her style ranges from chunky, large belts, bralets, miniskirts, ruffle tops/skirts, sleeveless tops, thigh-high boots, sheer clothes, halter neck tees, crop tops to short dresses.
From what I’ve seen of the ‘Fashion Killer’ crooner, she draws inspiration from the early 2000s and Nigeria’s Alté style but she isn’t afraid to experiment with other trending styles at any given time. nd then puts her own spin to the fashion.
Qing Madi:
Qing Madi go-to fits at any given day includes baggy trousers in all forms (flannel, jeans, sweatpants, leather pants, jorts, you name it), bandannas, face caps, oversized jean jackets, baggy sweatshirts, crop tops/shirts, basketball tees fitted body-con top and varsity jackets.
Her style, like Ayra Starr’s, is reminiscent of the late 90s/early 2000s Y2K fashion, popular among HipHop artistes of that era —Remember Busta Rhymes, Tupac and 50 Cent typa clothes? Yeah that’s Qing Madi but with a modern spin to it. Her style is not far off from how the younger Gen-Z dress, both in the country and globally.
At only 17 years, Qing Madi is not afraid to sport tomboyish looking outfits and look good wearing them. This fast-rising female artist is still young, but she is daring and I can’t wait to see how her sense of style evolves as she grows.
The Verdict? There Isn’t One!
The beauty of music lies in its diversity. Ayra and Qing offer unique experiences – Ayra with her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics, and Qing with her genre-bending energy. So, who reigns supreme? Honestly, it’s up to you! The Nigerian music scene is bursting with talent, and these two queens are just getting started.
I’ll still go for Qing Madi though.
Beautiful songs
A write up about my babes; Of course, I’ll read from start to finish????????
A collab between this two would be iconic!
Nicely written ????????
I’m surely team Qing Madi everyday. They’re both talented and great but my love and admiration gears more toward Qing Madi.
Team Ayra any day.