Ayra Starr Sets Sights on Burna Boy Collaboration Ahead of Grammys

The global music stage is buzzing as Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr reveals her ultimate career ambition: a collaboration with the “African Giant,” Burna Boy. In a revealing sit-down with Billboard, the Mavin Records star, often referred to as “Sabi Girl,” named Burna Boy as the one artist she is most eager to hit the studio with. Despite an impressive catalog of international features, Starr’s desire to bridge her sound with Burna Boy’s signature Afro-fusion highlights a significant potential milestone for the next generation of Afrobeats.

The timing of this revelation is particularly poignant, coming on the heels of Ayra Starr’s 2026 Grammy nominations. Speaking with Love Island USA’s Chelley Bissainthe, Starr reflected on her rapid ascent and the comfort she finds in her current creative path. While she has already shared tracks with some of the biggest names in the industry, she remains firm that Burna Boy is at the top of her wishlist, a sentiment she says is well-known among her close circle and fans alike.

Born Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, the singer is currently basking in the critical success of her hit single “Gimme Dat,” featuring Wizkid. The track has earned her a prestigious nod in the Best African Music Performance category for the upcoming February 1, 2026, awards ceremony. This nomination follows the official announcement made in late 2025, solidifying her status as a consistent force on the global awards circuit.

Reflecting on this latest Grammy recognition, Starr noted a shift in her personal reaction compared to her first nomination. She described the initial experience as a shock to the system, whereas this second nod has brought a sense of inner peace. To her, the nomination serves as a powerful validation of her talent and a reminder that she is exactly where she is supposed to be in the competitive music industry.

The backstory of “Gimme Dat” is as fascinating as the song’s chart performance. Starr revealed that the track was originally conceived and recorded as a solo effort months before its release on April 25, 2025. The collaboration with Wizkid happened organically later in the process, a move she says made everything fall into place. Interestingly, the song samples the classic “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, a fact Starr only discovered during the recording process.

Her mentor and label boss, Don Jazzy, was the one who pointed out the legendary sample, prompting Starr to dive into the history of the original track. The experience took on a mystical quality when she learned that the studio she was using for the session actually belonged to Wyclef Jean at one point. This coincidence, she says, made the entire project feel destined and gave her a deeper connection to the music she was creating.

The journey to the final version of “Gimme Dat” was not without its hurdles. Starr candidly shared that she struggled with vocal issues during the recording sessions. On the first day, her voice was not in peak condition, and the struggles persisted into the second day. However, her determination to deliver a high-quality product pushed her to rely on her grit and the technical support of her team to achieve the polished sound that eventually won over Grammy voters.

As the world prepares for the Grammy ceremony in just a few days, Ayra Starr’s focus remains on growth and future milestones. A partnership with Burna Boy would represent a meeting of two different eras of Nigerian music excellence—Burna’s established global dominance and Starr’s meteoric rise as a Gen Z icon. Fans are already speculating that such a collaboration could be one of the most significant cultural crossovers in the genre’s history.

For now, the singer is embracing the “Sabi Girl” philosophy, staying true to her roots while reaching for the stars. Whether or not a Burna Boy feature is on the immediate horizon, Ayra Starr’s trajectory suggests that her influence on the international music scene is only just beginning. With a Grammy ceremony looming and a clear vision for her future, she continues to prove that she is not just a passing trend, but a pillar of the modern Afrobeats movement.