Ayra Starr opens up about her creative process, saying experimentation and new sounds now play a bigger role in her music-making
Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has opened up about her evolving approach to songwriting, revealing that experimentation with sounds and ideas now plays a greater role in her creative process than emotional inspiration.
The singer, whose real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, shared the insight while speaking on the Creatorium Podcast, where she discussed how her music-making process has changed since the release of her early projects.
According to Ayra Starr, creating music now often begins with trying different sounds, samples or musical ideas rather than waiting for a particular emotional experience to inspire a song.
She explained that the direction of a track can emerge from simple experimentation with chords, rhythms or unique sounds.
“It depends on what I am going for. Lately for me, creating just starts with trying. Not emotion; just trying, then we see where it takes us,” she said.
The award-winning singer noted that her debut body of work was largely driven by emotions and personal experiences, with songs crafted to reflect specific feelings and moods.
However, she said her artistic growth has encouraged her to explore music from a more adventurous perspective.
According to her, she now enjoys testing new sonic ideas and pushing creative boundaries to discover fresh sounds.
Ayra Starr added that experimenting without fixed expectations often leads to exciting results and helps keep her music dynamic and original.
Reflecting on her earlier songwriting experiences, the singer disclosed that her song Beggie Beggie was inspired by an everyday encounter during a bus journey.
She recalled hearing a passenger use the phrase “beggie beggie,” which immediately sparked an idea that later developed into the track.
The revelation offered fans a glimpse into how ordinary life experiences can influence the creative process behind popular songs.
Ayra Starr also highlighted the demanding nature of a music career, stressing that success in the entertainment industry requires dedication, discipline and consistent hard work.
She said many people only see the glamorous side of the profession but often overlook the long hours of rehearsals, preparation and challenges that occur behind the scenes.
The singer noted that even after weeks of preparation, technical issues can sometimes affect a performance, underscoring the importance of persistence and passion.
“You have to have a certain type of love and passion for what you do to be able to do this,” she said.