Album Review: Ayra Starr’s 19 & Dangerous Is a Stroke of Genius
The teenage singer turns her sad and happy feelings into brilliant melodies.
In 2019, a 17-year-old Ayra Starr started uploading cover songs on her Instagram page, an act that she admits filled her with nervousness. Later, she shared an original song “Damage,” which she had co-written with her brother. That same day, she received a direct message from Nigerian producer and Mavin Records’ CEO Don Jazzy who signed her onto his label. After a year under artist development, she put out her eponymous debut EP in January 2021, which, in less than 24 hours, charted at number one on Apple Music Nigeria and positioned her as one to watch in the music scene.
19 & Dangerous, Ayra Starr’s 11-track debut album, is a testament to the singer’s experiences, ideologies, strengths and weaknesses. It lends production credits to Don Jazzy, London, Louddaaa and Andre Vibez. Label mate Johnny Drille mixed and mastered all the tracks.
On opener “Cast (Gen Z Anthem),” which samples the departed American singer Eartha Kitt, Ayra Starr pledges to live according to her rules. She is addressing herself and those in her age bracket to be unapologetic about their life choices because people’s opinions do not matter in the end. In Nigerian parlance, “cast” means to fail miserably, especially under the gaze of the public. “If I cast then I cast, yeah/Anything wey won sup go sup/I come this life all alone, yeah/Anything they wan talk, they talk,” she sings.
There are two kinds of Ayra Starr on this album. One is adorned with luxurious clothing and jewelry and carries herself with confidence the height of a skyscraper. The other is teary-eyed, beaten and confused, and her confidence has melted into a puddle of vulnerabilities. These dissimilar personas lay the foundation for Ayra Starr’s mesmerizing vocals.
On the London-produced “Fashion Killa,” which is an absolute banger of a song with its thumping drums, Ayra Starr is a fashionista who is “drenched in finesse”, bragging about her diamonds, babushka and faded denim that she rocks “like a baby in a cot.” On “Bloody Samaritan,” which is also produced by London, Ayra Starr has no patience for negative people; she is choosing to dismiss her enemies and focus on her dreams. “I’m a ticking dynamite/I’ll blow your candlelight/You know I’m just that type/No, dem fit kill my vibe,” she sings.
“Bridgertn” is inspired by the American TV drama series Bridgerton. On the track, Ayra Starr, draped in royalty, is untouchable and lives above the status quo. As she sings, “I’m the queen, bow down/Got opal in my grills/My eyes, my cash/Broke all the stereotypes/I make my rules/I break all of your rules (Your rules),” the swagger she exudes in the track is infectious.
The heartbreak, too, is infectious. On “Lonely,” Ayra Starr wants the affection of a past lover. “Do you believe in trust?/Transparency in all we do/I’m so lonely, I’m missing you,” she sings. When she bursts into the chorus, the emotions in her voice shine through. On “Snitch,” Ayra Starr and the American singer Fousheé are vengeful and are out to hurt a lover who has messed their feelings. “If you fuck with me/Then run for your life, run for your life, I’m a bit crazy/I’ll make you cry, make you cry, I’ll tell on you,” Ayra Starr sings.
The Don Jazzy-produced “Toxic” was once “Damage.” Here, Ayra Starr’s voice is soaked in heartbrokenness as she recounts bitter experiences with a manipulative partner who jilted her. Although the song’s verses end with “And I’ll apologize no more, no more,” Ayra Starr starts the chorus with an apology to herself: “But I’m sorry/That I loved somebody that would hurt me.”
Ayra Starr feels adrift in “In Between.” She enters a metaphorical water and feels her burdens leave her. She submerges herself in the water, ready to be fully cleaned. Soon, she realizes she is not swimming but drowning. “Why did I get myself into this mess?” she sings. On the CKay-assisted “Beggie Beggie,” love ruins what was strictly a friends-with-benefits affair. “Say I led you on/You sef dey follow me/We were having fun/Then suddenly the love came in,” CKay sings.
True love finally meets Ayra Starr on “Karma.” She is happy that karma has fought her battle by hurting a past lover that hurt her. “Karma you’re such a good lover/You're such a good lover/Always there to hold me,” Ayra Starr sings with a grateful tone. On “Amin,” she wants to be stress-free and enjoy the good things life has to offer. “Wish you peace and comfort/Hope you find your solace,” she prays.
19 & Dangerous is Ayra Starr’s diary. She is sassy, has captivating vocals and is unashamed of purging her emotions on wax. All the signs portend one thing for her: greatness.
Go HERE to stream 19 & Dangerous.