Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has identified Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema as her top three artists in the genre, referring to them as her “solid Big 3” during a recent interview with Hot 97 FM.
Ayra Starr praised each of them for their unique contributions: Savage for her pioneering role as a female artist, Wizkid for his global impact, and Rema for his innovative musical style that continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats.
Starr deliberately omitted fellow heavyweights Davido and Burna Boy, who are often considered part of the traditional Afrobeats Big 3 alongside Wizkid, a choice that has generated significant discussion among fans and industry observers.
Her selection reflects her personal appreciation of artistry and influence rather than conventional rankings.
Beyond naming her top artists, Starr also shared her views on Nigerian men, comparing them favourably to their New York counterparts. Speaking on the podcast Way Up with Angela Yee, she described Nigerian men as confident, supportive, and caring towards their partners, saying, “Nigerian men love to take care of their women. They are very supportive of their wife or girlfriend. They are very very confident, so it is almost the same thing as New York men. But you know, men are men. A man is a man still. It is universal thing.”
While praising them, she acknowledged that Nigerian men, like men everywhere, have their flaws.
Starr’s comments come after months of social media backlash, largely from Nigerian men, who criticised what they perceived as contradictions between her online feminist advocacy and her actions offline.
Critics targeted her behaviour at public events, including her excitement at meeting international artist Chris Brown and her dance video to Naira Marley’s song, suggesting these did not align with the feminist image she projects.
She also faced scrutiny over her fashion choices, responding in 2023 that critics are neither her “pastor” nor “mother” and therefore not entitled to dictate her style.
Despite the criticism, Starr continues to express her individuality and perspectives on music and relationships.
Her recognition of Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and Rema underscores her admiration for career longevity, innovation, and global influence within Afrobeats.
While fans debate her selections, her statements cement her position as an independent voice in the music industry, unafraid to voice opinions that differ from popular perception.
The singer has also revealed that Burna Boy remains her top choice for future collaborations, signalling her commitment to merging creativity with strategic partnerships in upcoming projects.
