Ayra Starr Confirms Relocation to New York City: “I’m a New Yorker in My Spirit”

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has officially confirmed that she has relocated to New York City, marking a new chapter in her rising international career.

Speaking during a video call with Buck n Regg, the singer explained that while she has long spent significant time in the city, the move is now formal.

“Um, like less than a, like less than two months… officially,” Ayra Starr said. “I’m a New Yorker in my spirit. I feel it. New York reminds me so much of Lagos… there’s lots of Nigerians here, a huge African diaspora, so it feels like home.”

The relocation signals more than just travel convenience—it reflects a growing trend among Nigerian artists seeking to establish themselves in global music hubs. New York, with its vibrant industry network, diverse cultural scene, and strong African diaspora, offers a platform for global collaborations and creative growth.

OPINION: Ayra Starr’s Move Highlights the Global Rise of Nigerian Music

Ayra Starr’s decision to base herself in New York is more than personal—it’s strategic. Over the past decade, Nigerian artists have increasingly claimed space on the world stage, from Burna Boy’s Grammy triumphs to Wizkid headlining stadiums across Europe and America. Ayra Starr is following in these footsteps, ensuring she is not only part of the conversation but shaping it.

Her description of New York as “like Lagos” in spirit also underscores a deeper point: Nigerian creativity translates anywhere. The energy, resilience, and cultural vibrancy that define Lagos are universal traits that resonate in major music capitals. By planting roots in New York, Ayra Starr positions herself to collaborate with top-tier international talent while remaining grounded in her Nigerian identity.

For fans and industry watchers, the move is exciting. It signals that Ayra Starr is ready to take her artistry to the next level—beyond continental acclaim and into a truly global arena. And with the Nigerian music wave continuing to expand, her relocation might inspire more homegrown talents to see the world as their stage.

In short: New York just gained a New Yorker in spirit, and the world is about to feel Lagos through her music.