Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr opened up about the profound influence Barbadian superstar Rihanna has had on her career. The “Rush” singer revealed that Rihanna is her “number one” inspiration, noting that the recognition she recently received from the global icon served as powerful validation of her musical journey.

During the interview on the Jennifer Hudson Show, Starr emphasized the relatability of Rihanna’s story. For the young artist, Rihanna’s ascent from a small island in the Caribbean to becoming a defining figure of a generation provided a blueprint for her own ambitions.

She said, “Rihanna is like my number one, like, my inspiration.” Coming from where she comes from and making it as a global superstar… she really inspired me and made me feel like, okay, if she could do this, then I can do it too.”

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in Saint Michael, Barbados, moved to the United States at age 16 to pursue music. Her career, spanning over two decades, has evolved from dance-pop hits to genre-bending albums like Anti. Beyond music, Rihanna has built a business empire with Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, proving that a girl from the islands could dominate the worlds of both entertainment and commerce.

For Ayra Starr, the dream came full circle when Rihanna herself acknowledged the Nigerian star’s work. The two met during a Fenty event in London, where Rihanna reportedly expressed her admiration for Starr’s music.

Reflecting on that moment, Starr shared: “For the fact that she knew who I was and loved my music, that made me feel like I’m doing something right.”

Starr was signed to Mavin Records in 2021 and quickly rose to prominence with her debut album 19 & Dangerous.

Ayra Starr’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Often referred to by fans as the “Sabi Girl,” she has become a leading voice in the Afrobeats movement. Her hit single “Rush” garnered millions of streams and earned her a Grammy nomination, further solidifying her status as a global force.