Ayra Starr to perform YouTube Live concert in Nairobi

Ayra Starr, known for her distinctive blend of African music influences, R&B and soulful melodies, has garnered 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. Fans 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.”

YouTube’s head of music sub-Saharan Africa, Addy Awofisayo, said: “We are thrilled to host 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’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,” Raha Creative Kenya CEO Ashleigh Ali said. “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.”

YouTube has always been a major force in promoting African music to the world. More than 70% of watch time on content produced by channels in Nigeria comes from outside 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.

Fans around the world can tune in to watch the concert live on 20 October at 9pm EAT on Ayra Starr’s official YouTube channel.