Grammy-nominated African music sensation Ayra Starr will take the global stage on October 20, 2024, in a special YouTube Live concert streamed from Nairobi, Kenya.
The concert, produced in partnership with Raha Fest, celebrates the release of her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” and will be available for fans worldwide via her official YouTube channel.
Known for her distinctive fusion of Afrobeats and pop, Ayra Starr has captured international attention with chart-topping hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush”.
Her meteoric rise in the music world has been powered by her raw talent and platforms like YouTube, which has played a significant role in bringing African artists to a global audience.
This YouTube Live concert will offer fans a chance to experience an intimate performance of new tracks from her latest album, along with fan favorites. The event will be streamed in real-time, allowing her global fanbase, fondly known as Mobstarrs, to join in from anywhere. Additionally, Ayra Starr has launched the “Woman Commando” YouTube Shorts challenge, where fans can create and share their interpretations of her hit single, further enhancing audience engagement.
Nairobi was chosen as the location for this performance due to its thriving music scene and Ayra Starr’s growing fanbase across Kenya and East Africa. The city’s rich cultural landscape and energetic youth population make it an ideal backdrop for her first YouTube Live event.
Speaking about the upcoming concert, Ayra Starr shared her excitement:
“Performing live is where I get to connect deeply with my fans, and I’m so excited to do this on a global scale from Nairobi. This album means so much to me, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone through YouTube.”
Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, expressed the platform’s enthusiasm for hosting the event:
“We are thrilled to host Ayra Starr’s YouTube Live concert in partnership with Raha Fest. YouTube is not just a platform for music but a place where artists from all over the world can connect directly with fans, no matter where they are. We’ve seen African music grow tremendously on YouTube, and this concert is a continuation of that journey—bringing Ayra Starr’s incredible talent to a global stage.”
Ashleigh Ali, CEO of Raha Creative Kenya, echoed the excitement, emphasizing the cultural and entertainment significance of the event:
“Raha Fest is proud to partner with YouTube to present an unforgettable music experience with the sensational Ayra Starr! By merging Kenya’s bustling creative scene with global acts, we’re fostering a cultural exchange and positioning Kenya as a global destination for tourism and entertainment.”
YouTube has long been a key platform for amplifying African music. Over 70% of watch time for Nigerian content on YouTube comes from outside the country, showcasing the global demand for African music. Artists like Ayra Starr continue to push the boundaries of African sound, with YouTube helping bridge the gap between local talent and international recognition.
Fans worldwide can tune in to watch Ayra Starr’s YouTube Live concert on October 20, 2024, at 9 PM EAT via her official YouTube channel.
