Nigerian singer Ayra Starr shared with Apple Music about her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21. “Every song is an episode.” This conceptually rich album is structured as a series of life’s pivotal moments, showcasing the sonic adventures and lyrical prowess that made Starr’s debut album, 2021’s 19 & Dangerous, a record-breaking hit in the Afropop world.
Overflowing with self-assurance and raw introspection, The Year I Turned 21 delves into a wide array of topics, including the fear of failure, the excitement of newfound love, the challenges of growing fame and fortune, gender positivity, parental loss, intimacy, and mental well-being. Starr seamlessly blends R&B and Afropop with influences from Latin pop, Jamaican dancehall, Nigerian highlife, gospel, and more. “Dem never know I kala,” she sings on “Commas”—a phrase mixing pidgin and Yoruba that translates to being underestimated based on appearance, a theme that runs throughout the album.
The album is rich with diverse languages and instrumentals, supported by eclectic samples that range from ’70s R&B to field recordings and taped confessions from family members. The production roster includes renowned hitmakers like LONDON, P2J, P-Prime, and Starr’s brother and frequent songwriting partner, Milar. Yet, the true highlight remains Starr’s voice, which has matured alongside her rising stardom.
“This album has made me who I am now,” Starr explains. “It was proper character development.” Through The Year I Turned 21, Ayra Starr presents not just an album but a narrative journey, inviting listeners to experience each track as an episode in the unfolding story of her life.
Get it here : https://album.link/i/1745016086
