Nigerian singer Ayra Starr is gearing up to release her highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21,” on May 31st.
The announcement comes alongside the unveiling of the album’s artwork, featuring the 21-year-old singer with windswept hair and a dazzling floral dress, emerging from a red convertible. Starr also revealed the tracklist for the 14-song project, boasting collaborations with some of music’s hottest names. Fans can expect to hear Asake on “Goodbye (Warm Up),” a team-up with Anitta and Coco Jones on “Woman Commando,” Giveon on “Last Heartbreak Song,” Seyi Vibez on “Bad Vibes,” and Milar on “1942.” The album will also include Starr’s previously released singles “Commas” and “Rhythm & Blues.”
In a February interview with Billboard News, Starr hinted at the album’s evolution, stating, “The Ayra Starr I want to introduce is excellent, sonically amazing. This album is unique, because I’ve been evolving sonically.”
“The Year I Turned 21” arrives three years after Starr’s explosive debut album, “19 & Dangerous.” That project featured the smash hit “Rush,” which garnered a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards,and the fan-favorite “Bloody Samaritan,” later remixed with legendary artist Kelly Rowland.