Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has once again soared to the top of the Apple Music Nigeria charts with her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21.” This notable achievement dethrones Tems’ “Born in the Wild,” which had held the #1 spot for the past five days.
Ayra Starr, renowned for her soulful voice, captivating lyrics, and distinctive style, first reached the top of the charts at the end of May with the release of “The Year I Turned 21.” The album’s infectious rhythms and compelling storytelling have resonated deeply with listeners and critics, securing its place as a favorite.
Tems, a Grammy Award winner and Academy Award nominee is another powerhouse in the Nigerian music scene. Her debut album, “Born in the Wild,” enjoyed a brief reign at the top, a success anticipated by her fans. This achievement reflects Tems’ growing influence and the dynamic nature of Nigeria’s vibrant music industry.
Ayra Starr’s return to #1 underscores her undeniable talent and the strong connection she has with her global audience. As her music continues to captivate listeners, fans eagerly await the release of music videos for their favorite tracks from the album.
“The Year I Turned 21” explores a wide range of experiences Ayra Starr has faced at this stage of her life. Structured as a series of key moments, the album showcases the sonic adventures and lyrical prowess that marked her debut album, 2021’s “19 & Dangerous,” which set Afropop streaming records. Themes range from the fear of failure to gratitude, intimacy, mental well-being, newfound love, and parental loss. Starr described the album to Apple Music as being like a TV show, with each song representing an episode.
“In my head, I was looking at this album like a TV show. Every song is an episode. This album has made me who I am now; it was proper character development,” Starr explained.
Produced by notable hitmakers including LONDON, P2J, P-Prime, and Starr’s brother and frequent collaborator, Milar, the album’s main attraction remains Starr’s singing voice, which has evolved alongside her rising stardom.
