Ayra Starr premiered her new Amazon Music documentary, Dare to Dream, on Thursday, August 1 in an exclusive reveal to Billboard, per billboard.com. The 23-minute short film offers fans an unprecedented look into the life of the Afrobeats sensation who has long envisioned herself as the “Black Hannah Montana.”
Directed and produced by HOMECOMING, the documentary traces Starr’s remarkable journey from her roots in Cotonou, Benin, to her current status as a global music icon. The film captures pivotal moments in her career, including her return to her birthplace where she’s greeted by throngs of adoring fans, her musical beginnings in Lagos after signing with Don Jazzy’s renowned Mavin label, and her international success with sold-out shows in London.
A highlight of the documentary is Starr’s attendance at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she received her first nomination for best African music performance for her 2022 hit single “Rush.” This nomination underscores her rapid rise in the music industry and her growing influence on the global stage.
Starr, who began filming the documentary nearly a year ago, expressed her hope that Dare to Dream will inspire young African girls worldwide. “I’m just a regular African girl, you understand. And I’ve come this far, and I want them to feel like, ‘Oh, I can relate to that,'” she told Billboard following the documentary’s premiere.
The film’s release coincides with Starr being named Amazon Music’s first Afrobeats Breakthrough Artist. This programme, which has previously featured rising stars like Chappell Roan and Benson Boone, offers enhanced playlist support, marketing opportunities, and bespoke editorial content to emerging artists.
Alexis Cueva, artiste relations for Amazon Music, praised Starr as “a one-of-a-kind talent leading the exhilarating world of Afrobeats,” expressing excitement about supporting her continued rise to global acclaim.
Dare to Dream is now streaming on Amazon Music’s YouTube channel and app, with plans for it to be available on Prime Video in the coming weeks.
As Ayra Starr continues to make waves in the music industry, fans can look forward to not only her musical endeavours but potentially her silver screen debut, as the artist expressed interest in taking on acting roles in the future.
- Featured image: Ayra Starr, ‘Dare To Dream’/Amazon
