Ayra Starr makes acting debut in ‘Christmas In Lagos’

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Afrobeats global sensation,Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, also known as Ayra Starr has joined the growing list of pop stars to venture into the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood.

The 22-year-old Grammy-nominated diva is set to make her acting debut in Prime Video’s original ‘Christmas In Lagos’.

The romantic comedy also stars Teniola A. Aladese, Shalom C. Obiago, Rayxia Ojo and Shaffy Bello, and Adekunle Gold.

It follows recently heartbroken Fiyin (Aladese), who’s convinced her best friend, Elo (Obiago), is the love of her life.

The movie was filmed in Lagos and directed by Jadesola Osiberu.

“For me, Ayra Starr represents what it means to be young and female and daring and brave and fearless – just being yourself. She was on the list from day one,” Osiberu told Variety.

Other musicians making cameos in the film include Wurld and Liya, while the soundtrack features songs from legendary musician, Sunny Ade, Afrobeats icons, Flavour and D’banj, and more.

Ayra Starr became a viral sensation after releasing her hit track ‘Bloody Samaritan’ in 2021.

The same year she released her debut studio album “19 and Dangerous” and it included her other chart-topping songs “Away,” “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” which she later remixed with American singer, Kelly Rowland.

With numerous awards and accolades, Starr has become one of the continent’s fastest-rising artistes.

She was among the Nigerian music stars nominated for this year’s Grammy Awards.

“Rush” earned her a first Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category, making her the youngest Nigerian female artist to be nominated for a Grammy Award in that category.

The music star, however, lost to Tyla, the South African singer.