Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has revealed that Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy is her “number one” choice for a future musical collaboration. The two-time Grammy nominee made the disclosure during a recent interview with Billboard, where she was speaking with Love Island USA personality Chelley Bissainthe about her career, achievements, and future artistic goals.
The conversation took place shortly after Ayra Starr received a 2026 Grammy nomination, adding to her growing list of international achievements. While discussing her journey and the artists she would love to work with, she answered a direct question about her dream collaboration partners.
When asked which artist she would most like to collaborate with, Ayra Starr responded without hesitation:
“Everybody knows Burna Boy is like my number one person I want to collaborate with. I’ve collaborated with a lot of people, and I still want to collaborate with many more people.”
Her answer highlighted both her admiration for Burna Boy’s artistry and her ambition to continue expanding her creative horizons. Ayra Starr has worked with several major talents already, most notably her Grammy-nominated collaboration with fellow Nigerian star Wizkid on the song Gimme Dat, released in April 2025. That track earned her a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards, a recognition she described as a meaningful affirmation of her creative direction.
Reflecting on that nomination during the interview, Ayra Starr said she felt a deeper sense of confidence this time around compared to her first Grammy nod. “I remember I was so excited. I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God. I knew it. I knew it.’ Every day I feel happy. I’m very grateful. Every day it’s like a new feeling ‘Oh, I’m actually a two-time Grammy nominee,’” she said. She also pointed out that her second nomination gave her a sense of reassurance in her artistry, saying it made her feel like she was on the right path.
In the same interview, Ayra Starr talked about her collaboration experience and what drives her creative ambitions. She stressed that working with fellow African stars and international talents remains a key part of her artistic vision. While she expressed admiration for many peers, her comments made it clear that Burna Boy a globally recognised Afrobeats figure and Grammy winner stands out as her top choice.
The interview comes at a significant moment in Ayra Starr’s career, buoyed by international nominations and an expanding global fanbase. Her rise has seen her blend Afrobeat energy with soulful vocal delivery, carving a distinct space for herself in contemporary African music.
If a collaboration between Ayra Starr and Burna Boy ever comes to fruition, it would unite two of Afrobeats’ most influential voices at a high point in both of their careers. Fans and industry observers have already begun speculating about what such a project might sound like, given each artist’s unique style and global reach.
For now, Ayra Starr continues to build momentum through her music, nominations, and international recognition, while publicly celebrating the artists she respects and hopes to work with in the future starting with Burna Boy at the top of her list.