Ayra Starr Names Tiwa Savage Wizkid and Rema as Her Afrobeats Big 3
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has shared her personal list of the top three artistes she considers the greatest in the Afrobeats genre, sparking conversations among fans and music lovers. The fast-rising star revealed her picks during a recent interview on the American radio platform Hot 97, where she discussed her music career, life abroad, and her views on the global success of Afrobeats.
During the interview, Ayra Starr named Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema as her “solid Big 3” in Afrobeats. According to the singer, the three artistes represent some of the most influential and impactful figures in the genre, both in terms of talent and global recognition.
Her selection quickly drew attention because it differs from the commonly debated “Afrobeats Big 3” list frequently mentioned by fans and music commentators. Traditionally, discussions about the genre’s biggest stars often include Wizkid alongside Davido and Burna Boy. However, Ayra Starr’s list excludes Davido and Burna Boy, replacing them with Tiwa Savage and Rema.
Explaining her choice, the singer simply stated during the interview, “My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3.” Her comment immediately generated debate online, with fans sharing different opinions about who truly deserves a place among the top three artistes in the Afrobeats industry.
Beyond the conversation about Afrobeats, Ayra Starr also spoke about her personal experiences living in the United States and why she chose to spend time in New York City. According to the singer, she spent the past two summers in the city and eventually lived in the Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood with friends for about three months.
She explained that the experience allowed her to enjoy a different lifestyle and explore a new environment while working on her music. During that period, she and her friends spent time watching American television shows and movies, which she described as a fun and memorable experience.
The singer also revealed that moving to New York had been a long-time dream. She said she had always wanted to visit the United States while growing up and eventually decided that New York was the most suitable city for her. In another interview with American media personality Angela Yee, she explained that the large time difference between Nigeria and Los Angeles made New York a more convenient choice.
Ayra Starr has become one of the fastest-rising voices in Afrobeats in recent years, gaining international recognition with hit songs and collaborations with global artists. Signed to Mavin Records, the label founded by Don Jazzy, she continues to play an important role in the global expansion of Afrobeats.
Her comments about the Afrobeats “Big 3” have further fueled ongoing debates about the genre’s biggest and most influential artistes as Afrobeats continues to gain worldwide popularity.
