Although she was eagerly awaited by a large crowd of fans, Ayra Starr’s debut in Kigali started with an unexpected twist. Show hosts Lucky and Rocky Try mistakenly introduced her as Tyla, the South African artist who performed at a similar event in Rwanda in 2023. Quickly correcting the mix-up, Ayra Starr electrified the stage at 11:00 PM to a roaring audience.
She arrived alongside her dancers and began the night with a playback rendition of her smash hit “Bloody Samaritan.” Her stage presence, although composed and relaxed, radiated unmistakable charisma that captivated the crowd from the start.
After opening with “Bloody Samaritan,” Ayra Starr greeted the crowd with, “Kigali, how are you?”, a statement that instantly elevated the energy of her fans. She transitioned to performing “Gimme Dat,” a collaboration with Wizkid, and engaged the audience by encouraging them to repeat the lyrics. This interaction added a thrilling dynamic to the performance.
Ayra Starr maintained an exciting tempo with songs like “Goodbye (Warm Up)” featuring Asake, “Away,” “Last Heartbreak Song” with Giveon, “Rhythm & Blues,” “Commas,” and the empowering anthem “Rush.” These performances saw fans lighting up the venue with their phone flashlights—a stunning tribute to her ability to inspire celebration and connection through music.
The finale brought even greater excitement as she closed with her latest release “Hot Body” and the track “Sability.” Before performing “Hot Body,” Ayra Starr invited audience members who felt confident in themselves to join her on stage for singing and dancing—a memorable highlight that underscored her focus on empowering others.
“Hot Body” signals women’s empowerment, confidence, and independence—a theme infused with Ayra Starr’s sweet yet commanding vocal delivery. Her artistry combines grace and vitality, signifying her role as a leader in amplifying women’s voices and independence.
While some fans wished for more dynamic energy, Ayra Starr pushed her boundaries, delivering professionalism and determination in her Kigali debut. She balanced her calm demeanor with high-quality performances, although a few attendees felt she didn’t fully reach their elevated expectations.
Like other recognized performers of the night, Ayra Starr received a tribute from the Giants of Africa foundation. Masai Ujiri, one of the organization’s founders, presented her with an honorary robe as a mark of appreciation for her contribution to the event.
The concert also featured an impressive lineup, with powerhouse performances by The Ben, Timaya, and Kizz Daniel, who took the stage before Ayra Starr. This event concluded a week dedicated to arts, sports, and education organized by Giants of Africa, marking its second run in Rwanda.
Ayra Starr’s journey to fame began in 2021 when she signed with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. Her global breakthrough came with her track “Away,” earning her recognition in international music circles.
Blending Afro-pop, R&B, soul, and trap, Ayra Starr’s music carries themes of wisdom, life, and love. Her distinct voice, paired with youthful confidence, resonates powerfully with today’s generation.
Her debut album “19 & Dangerous,” released in August 2021, includes chart-topping hits like “Bloody Samaritan,” “Fashion Killer,” and “Beggie Beggie” featuring Fireboy DML.
Ayra Starr made history with “Bloody Samaritan,” becoming the first female artist to top Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart, cementing her influence in Afro-pop.
Don Jazzy played a pivotal role in shaping Ayra Starr’s career, transitioning her from Instagram fame into one of Africa’s leading music talents. Ayra Starr often lauds Don Jazzy as her lifelong mentor and parental figure.
Importantly, Ayra Starr was a professional model before delving into music. Her distinctive fashion choices emphasize her bold individuality, setting her apart as one of Africa’s most unique personalities.
Ayra Starr dazzles the Kigali crowd during her debut stage performance, met with cheers from excited fans.
“Kigali, how are you?”—Ayra Starr’s first on-stage words ignited the crowd’s excitement.
Performing alongside her dancers, Ayra Starr sets the tone with ‘Bloody Samaritan.’
Ayra Starr’s serene but magnetic stage presence captivated the Kigali audience.
Pausing her performance, Ayra Starr interacted with the crowd before transitioning to ‘Gimme Dat.’
Ayra Starr captivated fans further by encouraging them to sing along to her tracks.
Tracks like ‘Away,’ ‘Rhythm & Blues,’ and ‘Rush’ created unforgettable moments with fans lighting up the venue.
Ayra Starr invited fans to join her on stage for ‘Hot Body,’ creating an empowering shared experience.
A calm yet professional performance, Ayra Starr made her Rwanda debut unforgettable.
WATCH HOW AYRA STARR DAZZLED FANS IN HER FIRST CONCERT IN KIGALI