AYRA STARR RELEASES HER HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHMORE ALBUM ‘THE YEAR I TURNED 21’
FEATURES ANITTA, COCO JONES, ASAKE, GIVEON, SEYI VIBEZ AND MORE
Hailed as Ayra Starr’s coming of age record, The Year I Turned 21 showcases the Gen Z singer-songwriter’s most personal storytelling, alongside signature empowering anthems she has become synonymous with. Themes of growth, love, heartbreak, and realizing your power permeate the record, powered by a newfound artistic maturity that grew from the whirlwind year the Nigerian star has had.
On the album, Ayra Starr stated, “This is a coming-of-age story. The rollercoaster of emotions and genres intertwined tells the story of a 21-year-old African girl and superstar. Twenty one isn’t just an age, it’s a moment of change in your life. A time of necessary growth, hurt, realizing your power… love. Not everybody’s “21” happens at 21. Whenever it is for you; learn from it, feel through it… that’s what matters.” On one of the more emotive stories told on the album, “Last Heartbreak Song,” Ayra Starr cuts herself off from a one-sided relationship and goes straight into self-protection mode. In a push-and-pull with American R&B heavyweight Giveon, she vows over atmospheric beats, “This is my last heartbreak song, I’ll be better on my own.”The masterful body of work also features “Commas”, Ayra Starr’sfeel-good hit, which has exceeded 100 million streams across all platforms in just two months and spent five weeks on top of the UK Afrobeats Chart. Keeping up the confident vibes, Ayra Starr ropes in Anitta and Coco Jones for the empowering “Woman Commando.” Fusing urgent Afrobeats rhythms with Latin pop and R&B; this global “Sabi Girl” anthem is poised to soundtrack the summer.
Throughout the album, Ayra Starr shows an uncompromising focus on self-care and personal growth – a mindfulness well beyond her years. Tracks like“Bad Vibes”, featuring renowned Nigerian wordsmith Seyi Vibez, hears her doubling down on her commitment to protect her energy from negativity. On the magnetic “Warm Up” featuring Asake, Ayra Starr experiments with jazz with an effortless, free-flowing cadence as she taunts an ex before moving on to the next. “Now you miss my warm touch… it’s a warm up to my next.” Rose-colored love songs like the soulful ‘“Rhythm & Blues”’ and “Lagos Love Story” show rare glimpses of Ayra Starr allowing herself to be carried away in the moment. Elsewhere, “Control” is a seductive siren’s call across a crowded Havana bar, paired with summery guitars and hip-swaying rhythms that nod to Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie.” However, it is the searingly honest songwriting on the more personal tracks on “The Year I Turned 21” that the Gen Z star truly shines. As the centerpiece of the album, “21” captures a rollercoaster of emotions from youthful bravado to moments of weary, self-doubt. An unfiltered snapshot of a transitional period in life, where one feels both green yet well beyond your years at the same time.
The deeply personal album closer, “The Kids Are Alright,” is written for her late father who passed away before she became “Ayra Starr,” and features voice notes from her siblings and mother. This summer is shaping up to be yet another monumental season for Ayra Starr, who has now amassed over 1 billion global streams. Following her critically-lauded, sold-out first world tour last year, she is set to make her Glastonbury Festival debut on the Pyramid Stage next month, building on the incredible momentum around the album release.
