A year ago today, Ayra Starr released her critically acclaimed sophomore album “The Year I Turned 21“, breaking every milestone imaginable and cementing her status as the princess of Nigerian pop. In its first week of release, the album broke the record for the biggest opening day streams by a Nigerian female act in Spotify history. 1 BILLION streams later, “The Year I Turned 21” sits pretty as one of the most streamed Afrobeats albums of all time on Spotify.
Voice of A Generation
With “The Year I Turned 21”, Ayra Starr tells not just her own coming of age story, but the unsung coming of age stories of young people who are no longer teenagers but still find themselves experiencing a different kind of metamorphosis. Some of the most inspiring Ayra Starr lyrics can be found on this album, and the record leaves no stone unturned as the singer explores themes of growth, identity, first love, loss and heartbreak.
Though the record starts off with more spunky numbers like “Birds Sing of Money” and “Woman Commando”, she slowly sheds that tough exterior as the album progresses, peeling back the layers to reveal the raw, unashamed vulnerability that makes her so endearing to her audience. Probably the most profound song on the album, ‘21’ is a cathartic RnB track that perfectly encapsulates what it means to be a young 20 something on the cusp of full-fledged adulthood.
Ayra Starr also delves into the complexities of navigating love and romantic relationships as a young woman with songs like ‘Goodbye (Warm Up), ‘Lagos Love Story’ and ‘Last Heartbreak Song’. ‘Lagos Love Story’ is a breezy serenade exploring the epic highs of first love. Ayra Starr plays the part of a besotted sweetheart to perfection, detailing all the things she would like to do with her beau. In contrast ‘Last Heartbreak Song’ (feat. Giveon) explores a romance gone wrong. Ayra seamlessly gets into character, transitioning from starry-eyed to jilted with ease.
Definitely one of the high points on the record, “Jazzy’s Song” features an interpolation of Don Jazzy and Wande Coal’s afrobeats classic “You Bad”. ‘Jazzy’s Song’ is a jubilant, future-nostalgic tune that pays homage to the greats of the genre and assures listeners that their legacy will live on in her.
“The Year I Turned 21” takes the listener through a whirlwind of emotions from start to finish, ending on a bittersweet note with a tribute to the singer’s late father titled ‘The Kids are Alright’. On ‘The Kids Are Alright’, Ayra Starr is simply a daughter who hopes her father is proud of her. She sends a tender message to heaven with heart-rending vocals accompanied by emotive string instrumentals.
As the Lagos Review aptly put it, Ayra’s Starr second LP “defies the sophomore slump”, adding yet another classic to her already legendary catalogue. “The Year I Turned 21” is not just a testament to Ayra Starr’s one-of-a-kind artistry but also a celebration of youth in all its beautiful, chaotic glory. Join us to celebrate this iconic record by clicking the link below!
