Ayra Starr to Headline Afro Nation Festival 2025 in the Dominican Republic.
Grammy-nominated Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has been announced as one of the headlining performers at the highly anticipated Afro Nation Festival, set to take place in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from November 7 to 9, 2025. This marks another major milestone in what has already been a remarkable year for the 22-year-old star.
Ayra Starr Shares Spotlight
Ayra Starr, who has rapidly become one of the leading voices in the Afrobeats genre, will be sharing the spotlight with a diverse lineup of international acts. She is set to headline alongside American rap artist Sexy Redd and South African music producer and DJ, Maphorisa—both of whom have made waves in their respective genres. The festival promises to be a fusion of global sounds, bringing together the vibrant rhythms of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and amapiano to thousands of music lovers expected to gather at the tropical venue.
Other Nigerian talents confirmed to perform at the event include Afrobeats rising stars Shallipopi and Ruger. Fans can expect dynamic live performances, especially from Ayra Starr, whose growing catalog of chart-topping tracks has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Among the most anticipated moments of the festival will be her performance of “Hot Body,” her latest hit single that has been dominating streaming platforms and airwaves.
The year 2025 has been an exceptionally busy and successful one for Ayra Starr. She has been actively touring across continents, captivating fans with her powerful voice, infectious energy, and genre-blending style. Earlier in the year, she headlined several major music events, including the prestigious St. Kitts Music Festival and the Canadian Jazz Festival, both of which saw her deliver electric performances to diverse audiences.
Ayra Starr’s Musical Achievements
Additionally, Ayra Starr has been a supporting act on Coldplay’s globally celebrated Music of the Spheres World Tour. Performing on such an iconic stage alongside one of the world’s most successful bands has elevated her international profile and introduced her music to an even broader global fanbase.
Her achievements this year also include receiving several high-profile awards and accolades that underline her growing influence in the global music scene. In June 2025, she was named Best International Act at the BET Awards, a prestigious honor that makes her only the second African female artist to win the category—following Tems’ groundbreaking win in 2022.
Ayra Starr continued her winning streak by making history at the MOBO Awards, where she won two major categories, further cementing her place as a global ambassador for African music. Her success at the 17th edition of The Headies Awards also added to her long list of accolades. She won the award for Best R&B Single for her emotional ballad “Last Heartbreak Song,” a soulful collaboration with American singer Giveon.
Ayra Starr’s Music Stats
In another remarkable career highlight, Ayra Starr reached 1 billion total views on YouTube—an achievement that establishes her as the first Nigerian female artist to cross this milestone. This accomplishment not only reflects her widespread popularity but also underscores the international appeal of her music.
With her Afro Nation Festival performance on the horizon and a year filled with groundbreaking achievements, Ayra Starr continues to redefine what it means to be a global African superstar. Her talent, consistency, and commitment to artistic excellence have positioned her at the forefront of the new wave of African artists making an indelible mark on the global music industry.
As fans eagerly count down the days to Afro Nation Dominican Republic 2025, the excitement surrounding Ayra Starr’s set—and her ever-expanding career—shows no signs of slowing down.