In an exciting collaboration, YouTube and Raha Fest have joined forces to bring Ayra Starr’s first-ever YouTube live concert to Nairobi. The event promises to be a thrilling experience for fans, featuring new songs from the Nigerian singer’s album The Year I Turned 21 alongside her biggest hits.
Addy Awofisayo, Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, made the announcement in a statement from Lagos on Friday. Awofisayo highlighted YouTube’s role in connecting artists with fans around the world, emphasizing its impact on promoting African music. “YouTube is not just a platform for music, but a place where artists from all over the world can connect directly with fans, no matter where they are,” Awofisayo said.
She also praised the growth of African music on YouTube, noting that more than 70 percent of watch time for content produced by Nigerian channels comes from viewers outside of Nigeria. “This showcases how YouTube has provided a global audience for African music. The platform continues to be a key player in amplifying the voices of artists like Ayra Starr, who are shaping the sound of today’s music,” she added.
The decision to host the concert in Nairobi was intentional, according to Awofisayo. “Nairobi, with its vibrant music scene, deep roots in African culture, and a youth population that adores Ayra Starr, was chosen as the perfect setting for this electrifying performance,” she said. Ayra Starr’s growing fan base in Kenya and across East Africa makes the city an ideal location for her first live-streamed concert.
Fans around the world will have the opportunity to join the concert virtually, as the entire event will be livestreamed on YouTube, allowing a global audience to participate in this special moment. “This concert will offer fans an intimate experience as Ayra Starr performs new tracks alongside fan favorites,” Awofisayo said.
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In addition to the live performance, YouTube will engage fans through the “Woman Commando” YouTube Shorts challenge, where Ayra Starr’s followers, known as ‘Mobstarrs,’ can create and share their own takes on her hit single. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the concert will also be shared on the platform, adding to the excitement of the event.
Ashleigh Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Raha Creative Kenya, expressed pride in the collaboration with YouTube, calling it a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. “Raha Fest is proud to partner with YouTube to present an unforgettable music experience with the sensational Ayra Starr,” Ali said. She emphasized that the partnership merges Kenya’s vibrant creative scene with international acts, positioning the country as a global destination for tourism and entertainment.