Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe was born on 14 June, 2002 in Cotonou, Benin, and grew up there and in Lagos, Nigeria. She was born to Nigerian parents from Kwara State and has four siblings.
Her family moved frequently during her high school years because of her father’s business, and as a result she had a hard time forming close friends.
Having been raised in a music-loving family, her interest in singing comes mostly from her family. At the age of 10, she sang in a high school choir and began writing songs with her brother. She attended Les Cours Sonou University and received a BA degree in international relations and political science.
During her college years, she was often bullied by her classmates because of her age and appearance. To counter the feelings, she experienced from being taunted, Ayra Starr turned to music. “I would listen to Nicki Minaj on my way to school, and I’d feel like the second Nicki Minaj.” Ayra Starr’s mother was very supportive of her musical ambitions, and always encouraged her to pursue a singing career.
