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Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has officially joined the roster of Roc Nation, the entertainment powerhouse founded by Jay-Z, marking a major milestone in her fast-rising career. While the Beninese-Nigerian singer remains signed to Mavin Records for her recording and distribution, Roc Nation will now oversee her global management and expansion.
The move signals Ayra Starr’s growing influence beyond Africa, with Roc Nation set to steer her presence in key markets such as the United States and Europe. Her name and discography have already been added to Roc Nation’s official website, placing her alongside some of the world’s top performers.
In the days following the announcement, social media posts circulated claiming Ayra Starr’s contract included a clause preventing her from having a boyfriend or raising a family during the five-year term. Ayra Starr and her team have publicly denied these claims, calling them false and unfounded, according to The Nation newspaper.
Although the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, music industry observers note that management deals with companies like Roc Nation typically cover career guidance, global branding, and negotiations for major endorsements, tours, and partnerships. Such contracts often run for multiple years, give the management company a percentage of the artist’s entertainment-related earnings, and grant access to high-level industry networks.
Some industry voices are speculating that Roc Nation’s decision to sign Ayra Starr may be part of a strategy to create another superstar in the mold of Rihanna, given Rihanna’s long absence from the music scene. Rihanna has not released an album since Anti, which faced controversy after Tidal, then owned by Jay-Z, and Universal Music Group leaked the project, resulting in what became her lowest-selling album. Critics believe Roc Nation could be positioning Ayra Starr to fill the gap left by Rihanna’s hiatus while tapping into the booming Afrobeats market.
Ayra Starr’s signing follows the success of her 2024 album The Year I Turned 21 and a string of international collaborations that have strengthened her profile across continents. Her hit single “Rush” recently surpassed 300 million streams on Spotify, underscoring her global appeal and the potential for even greater reach with Roc Nation’s backing.
For Roc Nation, the deal reflects a continued commitment to African talent, building on previous partnerships with artists from the continent. For Ayra Starr, it represents the next step in cementing her place as one of Afrobeats’ most visible and marketable voices on the world stage.
With Roc Nation’s business expertise and Mavin Records’ creative support, Ayra Starr’s rise is poised to accelerate, bridging African music and mainstream pop culture in ways that could redefine the genre’s global footprint.
