Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has spoken warmly about her collaborations with Afrobeats heavyweight Wizkid, praising him as a “leading legend” and revealing how working closely with him shaped her understanding of confidence.
In an interview following her performance at the Grammy Museum on Tuesday, the Rush hitmaker recounted how overwhelming their first meeting felt.
She admitted that encountering Wizkid for the first time left her starstruck, making it difficult for her to fully take in the moment.
According to Starr, their second collaboration was a sharp contrast. She explained that Wizkid arrived on her set with a calm and composed energy, an attitude that left a strong impression on her.
“Wiz is a legend, we all know that. He is a leading legend. I remember the first time working with him, there was so much… I just could not believe it, I think I was not present because I was ‘oh my God, Wizkid’,” she said.
Reflecting on their later session together, the singer noted how his relaxed nature taught her an important life lesson.
“But the second time, he was coming on my set. He was just so cool, calm, and relaxed. I know confidence is not noise; he made me understand that. He is just very calm as a human being, very present and confident in his mission in this life, and that made me learn a lot.”
This is not the first time Starr has publicly praised Wizkid. In August, she referred to him as the “king of sexy Afrobeats,” further highlighting her admiration for the superstar.
Both artists have collaborated twice, first on 2 Sugar, a track from Wizkid’s 2022 album More Love, Less Ego. They later reunited on Starr’s song Gimme Dat, released in April.
Born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr rose to prominence in 2021 after her breakout hit Bloody Samaritan gained massive traction. Signed to Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, she has since become one of the most prominent voices in the industry, earning multiple awards and nominations for her work.
