Two-time Grammy nominee Ayra Starr has made an exciting revelation about her future plans, naming Afrobeats giant Burna Boy as her top choice for a potential collaboration.
The singer shared the revelation during a recent Billboard interview published on Thursday, where she spoke with Love Island USA star Chelley while reflecting on her growing global recognition and 2026 Grammy nominations.
“Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with. I’ve collaborated with a lot of people, and I still want to collaborate with many more people,” Ayra Starr said.
The comment stood out, especially as the singer continues to rise rapidly on the global stage.
Moreover, it came at a time when her international appeal has been further strengthened by her latest Grammy recognition.
Ayra Starr earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance for her collaboration with Wizkid on Gimme Dat, released on April 25, 2025. The nominations were announced in November 2025 ahead of the Grammy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026.
She explained that while her first Grammy nod felt surreal, the second one brought renewed confidence.
“I remember I was so excited. I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God. I knew it. I knew it.’ Every day I feel happy. I’m very grateful. Every day it’s like a new feeling ‘Oh, I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee,’” she said.
She further explained the emotional difference between both recognitions. “The first time I got nominated, it was like, ‘Oh my God, I got nominated. This is crazy.’ But the second time felt like reassurance, like, ‘Oh, I’m good at this. I know what I’m doing.’ Maybe I need to trust God and myself a bit more.”
Meanwhile, Ayra Starr also opened up about the creative process behind Gimme Dat. She revealed that the song samples 911 by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, a fact she only learned while recording.
“I was born in 2002, so I didn’t really know until I was recording the song and Don Jazzy said, ‘Okay, this is a 911 sample.’ Then I went to do my research and I was like, wow,” she explained.
Furthermore, she disclosed that the studio used for recording belonged to Wyclef Jean, a detail she discovered later.
“The crazy thing was that the studio I was recording in was also Wyclef’s studio, and I didn’t know that at the time. So it felt like everything was just meant to be.”
Ayra Starr added that the track was initially recorded as a solo project months before Wizkid joined. Despite vocal challenges during early sessions, she remained determined to see it through.
