We can’t call her the new kid in the block anymore. Nigerian pop star,  Ayra Starr, in her second year of doing music appears to have hit heights even legends in the game took years to achieve.

After a critically acclaimed first studio album, 19 & Dangerous that has placed her among the vanguard of rising Nigerian pop stars, the 20-year-old has bagged 8 Headies nominations on her first appearance for a major award.

In a direct consonance to Ayra Starr, we also have a young Nigerian alté, R&B singer, Temilade Openiyi, also known as Tems, punching above her weight in the Afrobeats soundscape. Growing from that relatively unknown gem in Good Time off Lady Donli’s Enjoy Your Life 2019 album, Tems has gone on to be afrobeats’ biggest surprise, at least she has surprised us at Burbles so far.

From strategic Ad placements for Jameson Whiskey, to the Gen Zeers annoyingly humming Try me, by the end of 2019 it was clear that Tems was here to stay.

Tems is afrobeats’ biggest surprise, at least she has surprised me so far. – Praise Ekpo

While these two stars are touted to be the Beyoncé and Rihanna of Afrobeats, Mavin act, Ayra Starr in a 2020 interview with Do2dtun of Cool FM, opens up about how she really feels about the Tems comparisons as well as what she thinks about Tems as a musician.

During the sit down interview started with Ayra Starr, interviewer Do2dtun started out by asking Ayra who she listens to and which artistes inspired her and her musical journey. Ayra said

Definitely 2Face. I listened to 2Face growing up. I had two teenage sisters growing up so they would play 2Face and it just fed my mind. 2Face, Wande Coal, Wizkid, I was just listening to a lot of people. I listen to The Lijadu Sisters, I love them. Rihanna of course. Just a lot of people.

Probing further, Do2dtun said to Ayra Starr:

“You know people, it’s a stereotype system where people always have to compare you with someone and you’re not the only lady who’s got a record deal at the MAVIN Records. Shoutout to Aphrodija, Di’Ja did a great job, Tiwa Savage…you gotta love them right? Now people talk and compare you to Tems, how do you feel about that?”

Ayra said in response to the Tems question:

I don’t know, it’s a compliment to me though because I’m a young artiste and Tems is an amazing musician. I just released music weeks ago and for people to even compare me to such an amazing musician is such a compliment and I’m so grateful and honored.

Do2dtun then asked if she would ever do a song with Tems to which Ayra responded: “Of course! Why not?”

Its safe to say that with Tems and Ayra Starr, Afrobeats is about to experience some degree of female dominance in years to come with these relentless songstresses not slowing down anytime soon. The fierce line up of nominees for the Headies best female act category should give enough pointers to the fact.

BEST FEMALE ARTISTE

Overall most successful female artiste (with
artistic quality and/or impact) in the year
under review.
SIMI
TEMS
TIWA SAVAGE
TENI
NINIOLA

Watch the full video here: [url]https://burbles.ng/2022/05/26/how-i-feel-about-tems-ayra-starr-opens-up/


[/url]