Rédaction Africa Links 24 on AUGUSTINE SICHULA
Published on 2024-02-27 06:15:15
Ayra Starr, the Nigerian singer, recently opened up about how her mother used the promise of pursuing music to encourage her to achieve certain goals. In an interview with Billboard, the Grammy-nominated artist shared the story of how her mother made a deal with her to prioritize education before pursuing a career in music.
According to reports from Pulse, Starr’s mother had promised to allow her to follow her passion for music if she first completed her formal education. As a result, Starr gained admission to university at the young age of 14. Recounting the experience, she said, “I got into the university at 14. My mum insisted that if I wanted to do music, I would have to finish school first.” In Nigeria, it is common for students to finish secondary school at ages 15 or 16, but Starr knew that waiting until she was 15 would hinder her dream of becoming a teenage pop star. To achieve her dream, she took the entrance exam at an early age, alongside her elder brother.
Determined to become a young popstar, Starr worked hard to excel in her exams. She reflected, “To be honest, the result wasn’t crazy to get me onto all these Ivy League schools but it was enough to pass by. It was enough for my mum. I got admitted into a good school. My course was for three years. It was International Relations.” Despite the challenges, Starr’s results satisfied her mother’s conditions.
Starr also revealed that her mother often used music as a means to persuade her to do things she was initially hesitant about. She shared, “I feel like my mum has been using music to blackmail me since I was a child.” When her mother suggested relocating from Benin Republic to Lagos, Starr initially resisted. However, her mother convinced her that Lagos was the hub of music and creativity. After graduating from university, Starr began posting music covers online and eventually landed a record deal the same year.
The journey to pursuing her music career was not without challenges, but Starr’s determination and passion for music ultimately led her to success. She credits her mother’s guidance and support for instilling in her the importance of education and hard work. Through perseverance and dedication, Starr was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a talented musician.
In conclusion, Ayra Starr’s story is a testament to the power of parental encouragement and the pursuit of one’s passion. Despite the obstacles she faced, Starr never gave up on her dream of becoming a musician. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young artists and individuals striving to achieve their goals through hard work and perseverance.
