Who Was Your Biggest Musical Influence Growing Up & Why?
Who Was Your Biggest Musical Influence Growing Up, & Why?
- The Artist Who Shaped My Sound: A Reflection on Musical Influence
- My Biggest Musical Influences In Childhood
Introduction: The Power of Early Musical Influence
Music is more than sound—it is emotion, memory, identity, and expression, all wrapped in melody.
From the first song we fall in love with to the voices that help us make sense of the world, our early musical influences stay with us.
These artists become more than performers—they become storytellers who speak directly to our lives.
For me, that voice was none other than Ayra Starr. Her fearless lyrics, soulful energy, and bold spirit deeply influenced my relationship with music and helped me discover the courage to be unapologetically myself.
Discovering the Sound: First Encounter with Ayra Starr
I first heard Ayra Starr during a time when I was searching for who I was, creatively and personally.
Her debut single, “Away,” wasn’t just a catchy track; it was a declaration of independenceSomething was refreshing about her voice—youthful yet powerful, soft yet full of fire.
She didn’t sound like anyone else. Her unique blend of Afrobeats, alté, and R&B felt like freedom, especially to someone like me who didn’t fit into a single box.
From that moment, I dove into her music like it was a diary written just for me.
Why Her Music Mattered to Me
Ayra Starr’s music celebrates strength, self-confidence, and the freedom to be authentically you. What made her stand out wasn’t just her sound—it was her message.
In songs like “Bloody Samaritan” and “Rush,” she challenges the pressure to conform, especially for young women.
As someone navigating self-discovery, hearing her proudly say, “No time for the hate and the bad energy” was more than a lyric—it was a mindset. She embodied self-love, quiet strength, and unfiltered truth.
She was young, just like me, but carried the voice of someone wise beyond her years. That made me believe my voice—no matter how new or uncertain—mattered too.
Style beyond Sound: Ayra Starr’s Fashion Influence
Ayra Starr doesn’t just inspire through music—she uses fashion as a canvas for bold self-expression.
Whether it’s her signature mini skirts, vibrant two-piece sets, or afro-futuristic glam, her wardrobe choices reflect the same fearless confidence we hear in her songs.
Her recent appearance at the Met Gala 2024 made global headlines, not just because she attended, but because she owned it.
Dressed in a breathtaking custom Hanifa gown that fused African heritage with avant-garde futurism, Ayra walked the “Garden of Time” theme carpet with regal confidence.
The look featured a sculpted metallic corset with hand-beaded detailing and a flowing Ankara-inspired train, paying tribute to her roots while embracing modern high fashion.
Her braided crown, adorned with gold accents, was a regal statement of power, heritage, and grace.e
That moment wasn’t just about fashion. It was a declaration that African artistry belongs on every global stage.
Watching her in that moment reminded me that confidence and cultural pride are the most stylish things you can ever wear.
The Lasting Impact: How Ayra Still Influences Me Today ~ Biggest Musical Influence
Even now, Ayra Starr remains a major influence in how I think, create, and carry myself. Her fearless fashion sense, genre-bending music, and proud Nigerian identity have shown me that there’s strength in owning your story.
I’ve learned to write my lyrics with more honesty. I no longer try to sound like someone else—I embrace my rhythm, just like she does.
She’s a powerful reminder that success has no age limit. Her journey from uploading freestyle videos to becoming a global star with millions of fans proves that with passion and purpose, anything is possible.
Conclusion: A Musical Legacy That Lives On
Ayra Starr isn’t just a musical influence—she’s a blueprint for boldness.
Her music has been the soundtrack to my personal growth, her voice a compass guiding me through doubt and discovery.
She’s a reminder of what it means to rise without losing yourself.
You’ve helped me understand that art is everywhere—in the lyrics you write, the clothes you wear, and the confidence you carry.
She showed me to be bold, to be different, and to take up space—both in music and life. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
While I continue to grow, evolve, and explore other artists, Ayra will always be the one who helped me find my voice.
“I love you, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe. Your voice, your spirit, your strength—everything about you inspires me. I can’t wait for the day we finally meet in person!”
