The singer made the remark during a recent Billboard interview shared on Thursday, where she spoke with Love Island USA star Chelley Bissainthe while reflecting on her 2026 Grammy nominations. According to Ayra Starr, a joint project with Burna Boy remains a top priority despite her growing list of high-profile collaborations.
She explained that while she has already worked with several major artistes, her creative ambitions remain wide open, with Burna Boy sitting firmly at the top of her wish list.
The 23-year-old artiste secured her latest Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for Gimme Dat, her collaboration with Wizkid released on April 25, 2025. The nomination marks her second appearance on the Grammys ballot, reinforcing her rising status on the global stage.
The 2026 Grammy nominations were announced in November 2025 ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Reacting to the recognition, Ayra Starr described the moment as deeply affirming, noting that her second nomination felt different from the first. While her initial nomination came as a shock, the latest one, she said, brought reassurance and confidence in her artistry.
She reflected that the experience has strengthened her belief in both her talent and her personal journey, adding that it has encouraged her to trust herself and her faith more.
Speaking on the creative process behind Gimme Dat, which samples 911 by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, the singer revealed she only became fully aware of the song’s origins during recording. She said Don Jazzy pointed out the sample, prompting her to research the original track and gain a deeper appreciation of its legacy.
Nigerian Artistes Shine Ahead of 68th Grammys
The upcoming Grammy Awards have once again highlighted Nigeria’s influence on global music, with five Nigerian artistes earning nominations across key categories.
Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations — Love in the Best African Music Performance category and No Sign of Weakness in the Best Global Music Album category — further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent Grammy contenders.
Davido also returns to the Grammys conversation with With You featuring Omah Lay, a standout track from his album 5ive. The song made history in 2025 after recording 4.98 million streams in its first week on Spotify Nigeria.
Wizkid earns another Grammy-linked credit through his feature on Gimme Dat, while Omah Lay completes the Nigerian lineup with his appearance on With You.
Beyond competitive categories, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards. He will be recognised alongside music legends Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be hosted by Trevor Noah and broadcast live from Los Angeles.