Ayra Starr Names Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Rema as Afrobeats ‘Greatest of All Time’
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has revealed her personal picks for the greatest artistes in Afrobeats, naming Wizkid, Tiwa Savage and Rema as her “Big 3” of the genre.
Speaking during a recent interview on Hot 97, the fast-rising star shared her view on the most influential figures in Afrobeats, a conversation that has long been debated among fans and industry watchers.
“My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3,” Starr said during the interview.
Her selection stands out because it excludes Davido and Burna Boy, two global stars who are often mentioned alongside Wizkid as part of the traditional “Afrobeats Big 3.” The singer’s choice instead highlights a mix of established influence and newer generation success within the genre.
In the same round of interviews, Starr also spoke about her recent relocation to the United States, explaining that friendships and cultural familiarity played a role in her decision to spend more time there.
She revealed that she spent the past two summers in New York City and lived in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood for about three months with friends. According to the singer, the experience included watching American television shows and films together, which made the stay enjoyable.
During another interview with media personality Angela Yee, Starr said she had long wanted to spend time in the United States while growing up.
She explained that when deciding where to stay, New York made more sense than Los Angeles because the time difference between Los Angeles and Nigeria is significantly larger. The smaller time gap with New York made it easier for her to maintain connections and continue working with her team back home.
Ayra Starr has become one of the most prominent voices in the new wave of Afrobeats artists, gaining international attention with chart-topping hits and collaborations that continue to push Nigerian music onto the global stage.
