Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr is heading to one of music’s most respected stages.

NPR Music has announced that Ayra Starr will be among the artists featured in its annual Black Music Month Tiny Desk Concert series this June, placing the Afrobeats star alongside a select group of artists chosen to celebrate the impact and evolution of Black music.  

The announcement marks another significant milestone in Ayra Starr’s rapidly expanding international career. Since emerging as one of Afrobeats’ brightest young stars, the singer has built a global fanbase through hit records, sold-out performances, and major award wins, becoming one of the leading faces of Africa’s new generation of music exports.  

NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series has become one of the most prestigious live-performance platforms in music, known for stripping songs down to their essentials and showcasing artists in an intimate setting. Over the years, the series has hosted legendary performers across genres while also helping introduce rising stars to wider audiences. Black Music Month editions have historically highlighted influential Black artists from across the musical spectrum.  

Ayra Starr’s inclusion in this year’s lineup reflects her growing influence beyond Africa. The singer has spent the past few years steadily expanding her international footprint through chart success, festival appearances, and collaborations that have introduced her music to audiences around the world.

The Black Music Month lineup will also feature artists including Shaboozey, alongside several other performers selected to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Black music.  

For Afrobeats fans, the performance presents an opportunity to hear Ayra Starr’s catalog in a completely different environment. Known for elaborate stage productions and high-energy performances, the Tiny Desk format will place greater focus on her vocals, musicianship, and songwriting.

The appearance continues a growing tradition of African artists making their mark on the platform, further highlighting the increasing influence of African music within global culture. As anticipation builds for her upcoming album era, Ayra Starr’s Tiny Desk debut could become one of the standout moments of this year’s Black Music Month celebrations.