“Ayra Starr has changed my life” — Don Jazzy

Nigerian record producer and singer, Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has praised Afrobeats star Ayra Starr, saying the singer has also had a significant impact on his life.

The Mavin Records boss made the remarks on X on Thursday while responding to a fan who commended his role in Ayra Starr’s career.

Mr Ajereh said he was grateful for the day he was introduced to Ayra Starr’s Instagram freestyle, which eventually led to her being signed to Mavin Records.

“She has most definitely changed my own life too. I bless the day I was shown her Instagram freestyle o. And she has been nothing but a dream Starrgirl,” he wrote.

The music executive had discovered the young artiste through her social media freestyles before signing her to Mavin.

Ayra Starr becomes Afrobeats star

Since joining Mavin, Ayra Starr has established herself as one of the prominent voices in the Nigerian music industry, gaining international recognition through hit songs and collaborations.

The singer released her third studio album, Starrgirl, on 14 August 2026. The 16-track project features collaborations with Nigerian artistes including Wizkid and Rema, as well as international acts such as ZAYN, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.

Wizkid appears on “Gimme Dat”, while Rema features on “Who’s Dat Girl.”

A relationship that changed both careers

Mr Ajereh’s latest comments highlight the mutual impact between the music executive and the artiste whose career he helped launch.

While Don Jazzy played a major role in giving Ayra Starr a platform through Mavin Records, he now says her success has also positively influenced his own life and career.

His description of her as a “dream Starrgirl” reflects the confidence he has continued to express in the artist since discovering her early work.

The relationship between Mr Ajereh and Ayra Starr also highlights the importance of artist development, mentorship and record-label investment in taking emerging Nigerian talents from social media discovery to international recognition.

Ayra Starr’s continued global growth demonstrates how young Nigerian artistes can leverage digital platforms, strategic partnerships and the country’s expanding Afrobeats influence to build careers beyond the local market.