On October 20, 2024, Grammy-nominated African music artist Ayra Starr will perform a special YouTube Live concert streamed globally from Nairobi, Kenya. The event, produced in partnership with Raha Fest, will celebrate the release of her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21”, and will be available for fans worldwide to experience on her official YouTube channel.
Ayra Starr, who is known for her distinct melodies and soulful blend of Afrobeats and pop international attention with hits like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush”. Her rise in the music world has been powered not just by her undeniable talent but also by platforms like YouTube, which have enabled African artists to connect with audiences globally.
This concert will offer fans an intimate experience as Ayra Starr will perform new tracks from “The Year I Turned 21” alongside other fan favourites. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible to audiences all around the world, giving them the chance to be part of this special moment. Fans, Mobstarrs, as she calls them will also have the opportunity to engage directly with Ayra Starr through the “Woman Commando” YouTube Shorts challenge, allowing them to create and share their own interpretations of her hit single. Additionally, exclusive behind-the-scenes content will be captured, adding another layer of excitement to the experience, which will be shared on YouTube.
Nairobi, with its vibrant music scene, deep roots in African culture, and a youth population that adores Ayra Starr, was chosen as the perfect setting for this electrifying performance. Ayra’s growing fan base across Kenya and East Africa makes the city a fitting backdrop for her first YouTube Live concert.
Speaking about the concert, Ayra Starr said, “Performing live is where I get to connect deeply with my fans, and I’m so excited to do this on a global scale from Nairobi. This album means so much to me, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone through YouTube.”
Addy Awofisayo, head of music sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, shared, “We are thrilled to host this Ayra Starr’s YouTube Live concert in partnership with Raha Fest. YouTube is not just a platform for music, but a place where artists from all over the world can connect directly with fans, no matter where they are. We’ve seen African music grow tremendously on YouTube, and this concert is a continuation of that journey—bringing Ayra Starr’s incredible talent to a global stage.”
“Raha Fest is proud to partner with YouTube to present an unforgettable music experience with the sensational Ayra Starr! By merging Kenya’s bustling creative scene with global acts, we’re fostering a cultural exchange and positioning Kenya as a global destination for tourism and entertainment,” said Ashleigh Ali, chief executive officer, Raha Creative Kenya.
YouTube has always been a major force in promoting African music to the world. More than 70 percent of watch time on content produced by channels in Nigeria comes from outside of Nigeria, showcasing how YouTube has provided a global audience for African music. The platform continues to be a key player in amplifying the voices of artists like Ayra Starr, who are shaping the sound of today’s music.
