Nigerian singer Ayra Starr says Burna Boy remains the artist she most wants to work with, even as her career continues to gain global momentum.

The two-time Grammy nominee shared the thought in a recent Billboard interview while reflecting on her 2026 Grammy nominations. “Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with,” she said, noting that while she has already worked with several artists, there are many more collaborations she hopes to pursue.

Born Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr earned her latest Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for Gimme Dat, her 2025 collaboration with Wizkid. The nominations were announced in November, ahead of the Grammy Awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026.

She described her second nomination as a reassuring moment in her career. While the first felt surreal, she said the latest recognition confirmed her confidence in her sound and creative direction.

Ayra Starr also spoke about the making of Gimme Dat, revealing that she only realised during recording that the song samples 911 by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige. She later learned that the studio where the track was recorded belonged to Wyclef Jean, a coincidence she said made the experience feel “meant to be.”

The singer admitted the early recording sessions were difficult, saying she struggled vocally before returning to the studio determined to get it right. The song was initially recorded as a solo track before Wizkid later joined the project.

As Afrobeats continues to expand its global reach, Ayra Starr’s growing recognition reflects the increasing influence of Nigerian artists on the international music scene.