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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.
Or read this on The Guardian
