Afrobeats Star Opens Up on Perfectionism, Self-Doubt, and ‘Woman Commando’
Nigerian music sensation, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has made a surprising revelation about her creative process. Despite being one of the most celebrated young stars in the Afrobeats scene, she admitted that she often struggles with self-doubt regarding her music.
The Mavin Records singer, known for her smash hits like ‘Rush’, ‘Bloody Samaritan’, and ‘Sability’, revealed that she does not like her own songs after recording them. According to her, she constantly feels that each track could have been better, leading her to question her work even after its completion.
However, in a rare instance, one song made her feel different—her latest hit, ‘Woman Commando’, featuring Anita and Coco Jones. Unlike her usual self-criticism, Ayra Starr described the track as “perfect”, emphasizing that she remains proud of how it turned out.
A Perfectionist’s Struggle: “I Always Feel It Can Be Better”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Ayra Starr shared insight into her creative process, revealing that she is her own toughest critic.
“I usually don’t like my songs after recording. It’s so bad. I don’t even know why. I just feel like it can get better and better, and I just keep trying to go, go, go until it’s perfect.”
Her admission sheds light on the struggles many artists face behind the scenes, despite their widespread success. The young star’s relentless drive for perfection has been a key factor in her meteoric rise in the industry, but it also comes with self-doubt and anxiety about whether her music is ever truly “good enough.”
‘Woman Commando’ Changed Everything
While Ayra Starr is usually unsatisfied with her recordings, she revealed that ‘Woman Commando’ was an exception.
“‘Woman Commando’ was that song that I was like, okay, I went crazy on this one. This is dope.”
The song, a powerful fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop elements, features two equally talented artists—Anita and Coco Jones. Together, they created a track that has been praised for its strong female empowerment message, catchy rhythm, and flawless production.
Since its release, ‘Woman Commando’ has dominated streaming platforms, racking up millions of plays and drawing positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Many listeners have praised the track’s energy, calling it an anthem for confident, fearless women.
Ayra Starr’s Creative Inspirations
Despite being highly critical of her own music, Ayra Starr is deeply influenced by some of the biggest names in the industry. In a previous interview, she revealed that she listens to artists like:
SZA – for her emotional depth and storytelling
Nicki Minaj – for her confidence and lyrical prowess
Rihanna – for her fearless creativity and star power
Rema – for his genre-blending sound and innovation
These influences are evident in Ayra Starr’s music, as she blends elements of Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and soul to create her own unique sound.
Read also: “Ayra Starr Makes Hollywood Debut in ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Adaptation”
Fans React to Ayra Starr’s Confession
Following her revelation, fans took to social media to express their thoughts. Many were shocked that an artist as talented as Ayra Starr doubts her own work, while others related to her struggles with perfectionism.
Here are some reactions from fans:
🔹 @AfroQueen: “Wait, Ayra Starr doesn’t like her songs after recording? But I’ve been playing ‘Rush’ on repeat since last year! Sis, you’re a genius, trust yourself!”
🔹 @LagosBoi: “I totally get what she means. As a creative, you’re never fully satisfied with your work. But Ayra, your music is amazing, we love it!”
🔹 @MusicLover101: “‘Woman Commando’ is pure fire. She should have more faith in herself because this track is next-level greatness.”
🔹 @BellaNaijaFan: “The fact that Ayra Starr struggles with perfectionism just proves that she’s dedicated to her craft. She keeps setting the bar higher, and we love her for it!”
A Star on the Rise: What’s Next for Ayra Starr?
Despite her struggles with self-doubt, Ayra Starr is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising Afrobeats stars today. Since her breakout moment in 2021, she has continuously evolved, experimenting with new sounds and collaborating with international artists.
With rumors of upcoming collaborations with global superstars, fans are eager to see what she will deliver next. Whether she believes in them or not, one thing is certain—her songs will keep topping the charts and winning hearts worldwide.
