Ayra Starr Meets Seychelles President, Headlines Nation’s 50th Independence Celebration
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr was welcomed by Seychelles President Patrick Herminie during a courtesy call ahead of her headline performance marking the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ independence. President Herminie described the golden jubilee as a reflection of the country’s journey over five decades and a celebration of culture, unity and international friendship, while Starr expressed gratitude for the hospitality she received and admiration for the country’s natural beauty.
She performed at Stad Popiler in Victoria on June 29, delivering a hit-filled set — including “Rhythm & Blues,” “Beggie Beggie” and “Tornado” — that had thousands of fans singing along, dressed in a flowing pink floral gown. Her appearance adds to a string of high-profile international bookings for Nigerian artists in recent weeks, following Tems’ performance at the inauguration of the Barack Obama Presidential Center and appearances by Rema, Burna Boy and Davido at events tied to the FIFA World Cup.
The invitation of a young Afrobeats star to headline a head-of-state independence celebration illustrates how African pop music has become a tool of cultural diplomacy and soft power across the continent and its diaspora, not merely commercial entertainment.
