June 09, (THEWILL) — Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, made her debut on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series on June 8, delivering a stripped-back performance that featured her hit songs and an unreleased track.
The session is part of NPR Music’s 2026 Black Music Month celebration, which this year highlights the legacy of BET and Black music culture.
Ayra Starr has previously said she dreamed of performing at Tiny Desk since she was 14. For the performance, she wore a simple black sweatsuit, focusing on her vocals and stage presence instead of her usual fashion-forward style.
Backed by a live band, she performed songs including “Gimme Dat,” “Who’s Dat Girl”, “Rush”, “Commas”, “Amin”, and “Orun”. She also premiered “Tornado”, an unreleased track from her upcoming album “Starrgirl”.
Tiny Desk Concerts is a live music series by NPR Music, the U.S. public radio network, recorded in a small office space in Washington, D.C. The format is known for stripped-down performances that highlight artists’ vocals and live talent.
Ayra Starr’s appearance is considered a major milestone, as the platform is one of the most respected live music stages globally and often helps artists reach wider international audiences.
She joins other Nigerian artists who have performed on Tiny Desk, including Burna Boy, Tems, and Asake, reflecting Afrobeats’ growing global reach.
“Starrgirl” is scheduled for release on August 14, 2026, with “Tornado” expected to be released as a single ahead of the album.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
