With her single “DITR,” which stands for “Diamond In The Rough,” the Beninese and Nigerian singer explores the suffering of youth in the middle of a global pandemic.
Ayra Starr is a new figure in Nigerian alte and has announced her debut eponymous EP, in which she reveals astonishing maturity at only eighteen years old. In exploring the difficulties of Nigerian youth, she embodies the voice of all the “social cadets” – to use the politician Jean-François Bayart’s term – in Africa and the wider world.
The artist defines the objective of her new single as follows: “‘DITR’ is an ode to Generation Z. We’re coming of age in a really weird and scary time and I hope it lets people know they’re not alone.” The video visualizes the eternal quest of youth for freedom and independence in a deeply uncertain time affected by the health crisis and police violence, inspiring teens and young adults to mobilize with the Nigerian #EndSARS movement.
Pre-order the Ayra Starr EP.
Find Ayra Starr in our Songs of the Week playlist on Spotify and Deezer.
