Ayra Starr shares untold story behind surprise collaboration with Wizkid

Ayra Starr Reveals the Unexpected Story Behind Her Surprise Collaboration with Wizkid

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has opened up about the behind-the-scenes story of her chart-topping collaboration with Afrobeats heavyweight Wizkid on the hit single Gimme Dat. Speaking in a new interview with Complex on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the 22-year-old songstress revealed just how quickly and organically the collaboration came together.

According to Ayra Starr, the idea to involve Wizkid struck shortly after she wrapped up the initial demo of the track, which she had also creatively directed. Trusting her instincts, she suggested they reach out to the Grammy-winning superstar. “I was like, ‘Okay, let’s send it to Wizkid,’” she recalled. To her surprise, the response was almost immediate.

Wizkid, known for his intuitive grasp of music, wasted no time in making his mark. “He was like, ‘I love the song, I’m going to do it,’” Ayra shared with a smile. “Wizkid recorded the song in like three days.”

The speed and precision of the collaboration underscore Wizkid’s reputation for both efficiency and artistry. But beyond the logistics, Ayra Starr highlighted the creative synergy that made the partnership special. “Nobody else would have been right on that song aside from Wizkid,” she insisted, noting how seamlessly his signature Afrobeats vibe intertwined with her distinct sound.

Since its release, Gimme Dat has been celebrated as one of the standout Afrobeats tracks of 2025, earning praise for its infectious rhythm and the undeniable chemistry between its two stars. Fans have lauded the way Wizkid’s smooth delivery complemented Ayra’s bold and vibrant vocals, creating a generational blend of Afrobeats artistry.

In the interview clip, Ayra Starr spoke with genuine admiration and gratitude, describing how hearing Wizkid’s final verse gave her goosebumps. For her, the collaboration wasn’t just about making a hit song, but about witnessing the power of artistic respect and connection across two different phases of Afrobeats’ evolution.

The success of Gimme Dat further cements Ayra Starr’s place as one of the genre’s most exciting young voices, while reaffirming Wizkid’s legendary status as a collaborator who continues to shape the global Afrobeats movement.