“Confidence Is Not Noise”: Ayra Starr Opens Up on Working With Wizkid and Learning From a Legend

When Nigerian singer Ayra Starr speaks about Wizkid, her words carry the weight of both admiration and revelation, offering a rare glimpse into how one of Africa’s biggest music stars quietly shapes the next generation. In a recent conversation that has since sparked widespread reactions across social media, the “Rush” hitmaker described Wizkid as a legend whose influence goes far beyond chart-topping records, saying he taught her that “confidence is not noise.” The simple statement resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike, especially in an industry often dominated by loud personas, viral moments, and constant self-promotion.

Ayra Starr, one of the fastest-rising stars to emerge from Nigeria in recent years, has built a reputation for her bold sound, unapologetic style, and emotionally honest songwriting. Yet behind the confidence she exudes on stage and in her music, the singer revealed that working with Wizkid helped her better understand a quieter, more grounded form of self-belief. According to her, being around the Grammy-winning artist showed her that true confidence does not always need to announce itself or demand attention to be felt.

Their collaboration, which many fans regard as a meeting of two distinct generations of Nigerian music, became more than just a studio experience for Ayra Starr. She explained that Wizkid’s presence, demeanor, and approach to music made a lasting impression on her. Rather than offering long speeches or overt instructions, Wizkid’s actions spoke for him. His calm, focused energy in the studio, she noted, contrasted sharply with the stereotype that confidence must be loud or dominant to be effective.

In an industry where younger artists often feel pressure to constantly prove themselves, Ayra Starr admitted that watching Wizkid work was both humbling and reassuring. She described him as someone who does not need to say much to command respect. His confidence, according to her, comes from years of consistency, growth, and an unwavering belief in his craft. For Ayra Starr, this was a powerful lesson at a time when her own career continues to expand rapidly on the global stage.

Wizkid’s influence on African music is difficult to overstate. From his early days as a teenage star to becoming an international icon with collaborations spanning continents, he has redefined what success looks like for artists from the continent. Yet despite his achievements, he is often described as reserved, choosing to let his music and impact speak for him. Ayra Starr’s comments reinforce this long-held perception, painting a picture of a man who understands his worth without needing constant validation.

The singer also reflected on how working with Wizkid challenged her own perceptions of strength and confidence. She noted that as a young woman in the music industry, she has often felt the need to be extra expressive or assertive to be taken seriously. Observing Wizkid, however, made her realize that confidence can be internal, steady, and deeply rooted in self-awareness. It was a lesson she described as freeing, allowing her to relax into her own identity rather than perform confidence for others.

Fans were quick to react to Ayra Starr’s remarks, with many praising her humility and openness. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about the quote, as listeners connected it to Wizkid’s long-standing image as a quiet force in music. Some fans pointed out that this philosophy has been evident throughout his career, from his minimalistic public appearances to his selective approach to interviews and features. Others applauded Ayra Starr for recognizing and articulating a lesson that many people, both within and outside the entertainment industry, struggle to learn.

The collaboration between Ayra Starr and Wizkid also symbolized the bridging of eras within Nigerian music. While Wizkid represents the generation that pushed Afrobeats onto the global stage, Ayra Starr stands among the new wave of artists expanding its boundaries with fresh sounds and perspectives. Her acknowledgment of Wizkid’s influence highlights the importance of mentorship, whether formal or informal, in sustaining the growth of the industry.

Ayra Starr’s journey has been marked by rapid success, from viral hits to international tours and major award nominations. Yet her comments suggest a level of introspection that belies her age. She credited working with Wizkid as a moment that helped her slow down and observe, reminding her that longevity in music is built not just on talent, but on mindset. According to her, watching a legend operate with quiet assurance reinforced the idea that artistry is as much about inner confidence as it is about external recognition.

For Wizkid, Ayra Starr’s words add to a growing list of testimonies from artists who have cited him as an inspiration, not just musically but personally. Over the years, several musicians have spoken about his influence behind the scenes, describing him as someone who leads by example rather than instruction. Ayra Starr’s statement fits seamlessly into this narrative, offering another perspective on why Wizkid remains such a revered figure in African music.

As the Nigerian music industry continues to gain global attention, stories like this resonate beyond entertainment headlines. They touch on broader themes of self-belief, growth, and the different ways confidence can manifest. Ayra Starr’s reflection serves as a reminder that in a world driven by visibility and noise, there is power in quiet certainty.

The singer’s comments also suggest that her own evolution as an artist is ongoing. By embracing the lesson that confidence does not need to be loud, she appears poised to navigate her career with greater intentionality and balance. Fans who have watched her rise see this as a sign of maturity, hinting that her best work may still lie ahead.

Ultimately, Ayra Starr’s tribute to Wizkid goes beyond flattery. It captures a moment of learning and respect between two artists at different stages of their journeys, united by a shared love for music and authenticity. In acknowledging Wizkid as a legend who taught her that confidence is not noise, Ayra Starr offered not just praise, but a philosophy that continues to shape both her artistry and the conversation around what true confidence really means.