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Ayra Starr: The Year I Turned 21 review – magnetic Afrobeats


The Beninese-Nigerian singer-songwriter puts her big voice to work on a set of songs that are over all too soon

Alt-R&B pop track Birds Sing of Money is a statement opener: “I don’t watch my tone ’cause I like how it sounds bitch,” she spits. She bids farewell to an ex on the jazzy Goodbye(Warm Up), featuring Asake, which has summer running through its bloodstream. On 21 – a dream pop, Kali Uchis-esque ballad – Starr sings desperately: “Where did all the years go?” The Kids Are Alright honours her late father, and features tender voice notes from her family, backdropped by impassioned piano and strings.

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Ayra Starr

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