Nigerian singer Ceeza Milli has sparked fresh conversations in the entertainment space after claiming he played a significant role in discovering and nurturing the talent of Afrobeats star Ayra Starr.

Speaking during a recent interview with Yanga FM Lagos, Milli revealed that he met Ayra Starr at a very early stage of her life and career. According to him, their connection came through a former girlfriend who was Ayra Starr’s school “mother,” a relationship that brought the young singer into his close circle.

Milli went further to state that he supported Ayra Starr during her formative years, claiming she even stayed with him for a period while she was still in school. He insisted that his influence on her journey into music cannot be erased or denied.

“When I discovered Ayra Starr, I wasn’t really paying attention to keeping artists, but I like to watch artists grow… She can’t deny my impact on her career. I discovered her at a very young age,” he said.

Ayra Starr, however, officially broke into the mainstream in January 2021 after releasing her self-titled debut EP under Mavin Records. The singer has consistently credited Mavin boss Don Jazzy, who reportedly reached out to her in December 2019 after discovering her music on Instagram, as a major catalyst in her rise.

Opinion: The Many Untold Hands Behind Stardom

Ceeza Milli’s claim opens up an interesting and often uncomfortable conversation about who truly “discovers” an artist. In the music industry, success is rarely the result of one person’s effort. It is usually a long chain of encounters, influences, encouragement, and opportunities.

Milli’s story, whether fully acknowledged or not, highlights a common reality: many artists are shaped by people long before fame finds them. From friends who provide shelter, to mentors who offer guidance, to strangers who notice raw talent early—these contributions often go undocumented.

That said, discovery also comes with visibility and structure. While Ceeza Milli may have encountered Ayra Starr early and offered support, Don Jazzy and Mavin Records undeniably provided the platform that turned potential into global success.

Rather than turning this into a debate of ownership, it may be healthier to see it as a reminder that great artists are built, not born overnight. Ayra Starr’s success is the product of her talent, hard work, and a network of people—some known, others forgotten—who played roles at different stages.

In the end, the bigger story is not who takes the credit, but how many young talents are currently waiting for someone—anyone—to notice them early and believe in what they could become.