Afrobeats star Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has opened up on why she recently moved to New York, describing the American city as a place that feels like "home" and a major force in the evolution of her sound.
In a viral clip from her interview on Hot 93.7, Hartford, posted on the station's YouTube page on Friday, the 23-year-old singer said relocating to New York was a long-held desire. She explained that the energy of the city, combined with its large African diaspora, drew her in long before she made the move.
"Yes, I live in New York. I moved in not less than two months ago, officially, but I'm always in New York regardless. I've always been in New York. I'm a New Yorker in my spirit; I feel it," she said.
According to the "Rush" hitmaker, New York's vibrancy reminds her of Lagos and gives her a strong sense of belonging. "New York reminds me so much of Lagos. And there are lots of Nigerians here. There's a huge African diaspora here. So it feels like home," she added.
Ayra Starr recounted a moment during a performance in the city that solidified her decision to relocate. "I remember just being on stage and feeling like, hmm... I really like it here. I might actually move here. It was like a moment of sonder. I was just like, hmm... I love it."
Despite the move, the singer emphasised that her identity remains firmly rooted in her culture and in Afrobeats. She said she is intentional about carrying her heritage with her, even as she seeks global expansion.
"At least I know my priorities. I know why I'm here. My dream is to be an artist -- an artist overall, above every genre. Afrobeats will always be my... I'm Afrobeats, if I may say so. It's not just a genre to me. It's me," she said.
Ayra Starr added that relocating was also about artistic growth and representing her people on the world stage. "I moved in, definitely, to broaden my sound. And just to make my people proud around the world. I want to be able to carry my culture wherever I go... This is who I am, and this is what I'm taking to the world."