Ayra Starr - 19 And Dangerous - Album

From the stables of Nigeria's mega music producer, Don Jazzy's MAVIN Record Label, I present to you the newest female Afropop sensation, Ayra Starr who released her debut studio album "19 & Dangerous" on 6 August 2021, the follow up to her smashing debut self titled EP released earlier this year, January 2021. 

Signed to Mavin Records in 2020,  Ayra had been tipped to be one of the most promising artists in Africa and the world beyond in the coming years due to her diversified musical style, Pop, R&B, Neo Soul, Afropop, Afrobeats and Hip Hop had all been embedded into her overall robust music persona. 

Born in Benin Republic, the 19-year-old was raised between the beach city of Cotonou and the cultural hub of Lagos. This mix of cultures inspires her global approach to music, art and life. She's inspired by the regal earthiness of Angelique Kidjo, Rihanna's free spirit and feisty confidence, 90s fashion music icons such as Aaliyah, and the edgy aesthetic of Afro-pop.

"19 & Dangerous" consists of 11 tracks mixed and mastered by Johnny Drille, featuring collaborations from CKay and Fousheé, whilst production credits go to the likes of Louddaaa, Don Jazzy, London, Andre Vibez

Definitely a no skip album, every song is a journey, all the tracks told a different story, whilst Ayra vocal dexterity is heavily projected, her fierceness is showcased, the drive and ambition can be felt by the listeners, this is an excellent debut album with a very contemporary feel, which portrays Ayra as a crossover artist material, she can blend into any sort of genre basically whether it's R&B, Pop, Reggae, Dancehall, Afropop, Afrobeats, Neo Soul, Hip Hop and so on. 

I feel that Ayra's musical style is not restricted to any particular genre, she could ultimately flow on any record. 

"Bloody Samaritan" is a big one,  Amapiano Infused beats and Ayra's powerful vocals did justice to the beat, club focused tune, uptempo and danceable. 

"Fashion Killer" shows that Ayra has a different sound and style, and she can effortlessly switch from one style to another to suit a particular beat/genre, her rhythmic lines on this tune is remarkable, and shows no boundary to her music. 

"Snitch" featuring Fousheé is a Pop infused track, very mainstream, sounds so commercial and will definitely do well on radio with (radio edit version) of course. 

This album will leave you wanting more and you cannot help but leave it on repeat, definitely one of my best albums of the year 2021.

Stream "19 & Dangerous" Below;