Fresh off her Grammy nomination, Ayra Starr is taking a moment to reflect not just on the milestone itself, but on the people and experiences that helped shape her journey to one of music’s biggest stages. In a recent interview following the announcement, the Nigerian pop star revealed how much she has learned from Wizkid, describing the global icon as a quiet but powerful source of guidance throughout her rise.

For Ayra Starr, the Grammy recognition represents more than personal success. It signals a new era for Nigerian pop artists who grew up watching Afrobeats fight for global recognition. She explained that being around Wizkid taught her patience, discipline, and the importance of trusting the process lessons she says became especially clear as her career accelerated internationally.

Rather than flashy advice or constant direction, Ayra noted that Wizkid’s influence came through observation. Watching how he moves, protects his artistry, and lets the music speak has shaped her own approach to fame. In an industry often driven by noise, numbers, and instant gratification, she says that learning restraint and focus has been one of her biggest takeaways.

The Grammy nomination itself marked a full-circle moment for Ayra Starr, who once spoke openly about studying the careers of artists like Wizkid from afar. Now, standing in similar global conversations, she describes the experience as surreal a reminder that African artists no longer have to wait for validation to come from outside before believing in their own impact.

Fans have praised Ayra’s humility, especially at a time when her profile continues to rise. Social media reactions highlighted how her acknowledgment of Wizkid reflects a broader culture of mentorship within Afrobeats, where each generation lifts the next while redefining the sound on their own terms.

As she looks ahead, Ayra Starr remains focused on growth rather than pressure. She says the nomination has fueled her hunger to evolve creatively, take risks, and tell deeper stories lessons she credits partly to watching Wizkid navigate global success without losing his identity.

In a genre now firmly rooted on the world stage, Ayra Starr’s journey and her gratitude underline an important truth: behind every breakout star is a lineage of artists who paved the way, quietly teaching the next generation how to last.