LagosExplorer reports: Nigerian pop superstar Ayra Starr has been confirmed as one of the headliners for the 2025 edition of the AfroNation Festival in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — marking yet another major milestone in the 22-year-old's meteoric international rise.
The announcement was made by AfroNation organizers on Monday, revealing that Ayra Starr will share the top billing with American rap sensation Sexyy Red and South African amapiano king DJ Maphorisa. The festival is slated to run from November 7 to 9, 2025, at the picturesque Playa Bávaro beach.
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has grown from a local Mavin Records breakout star to a global Afrobeats ambassador. In 2025 alone, she made history by winning Best International Act at the BET Awards, becoming the second African female artist to receive the honor after Tiwa Savage. She also bagged two MOBO Awards and shattered records by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube, underscoring her global appeal.
AfroNation Expands Its Global Footprint
AfroNation, which has previously hosted events in Portugal, Ghana, and Miami, is now bringing its signature mix of Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, and amapiano to the Caribbean. The inclusion of Punta Cana in its tour calendar signals the genre's growing influence in Latin America and the diaspora.
According to AfroNation's official release, the Punta Cana edition will feature high-octane performances from Ayra Starr, as well as Nigerian hitmakers Shallipopi and Ruger, whose dancehall-inspired sounds have captivated global audiences.
Also joining the star-studded lineup is American rapper Sexyy Red, known for her viral hits and unapologetic lyrics. South African producer DJ Maphorisa, a pioneer of the amapiano sound, will bring a uniquely southern African flavor to the festival.
Fans React to Ayra Starr’s Growing Influence
News of Ayra Starr's headlining slot has sent fans and industry watchers into a frenzy. On X (formerly Twitter), Nigerian music lovers celebrated the achievement as another win for Afrobeats on the world stage.
> “Ayra Starr headlining in the Dominican Republic is crazy! Mavin raised a global queen,” one user tweeted.
“She’s truly in her superstar era,” wrote another, alongside a clip from her recent BET performance.
This comes on the heels of Ayra Starr’s performance at the St Kitts Music Festival and Canadian Jazz Festival, where she wowed audiences with her genre-blending sound. Earlier this year, she also performed as a special guest on Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour, further boosting her global profile.
Ayra’s Latest Release Keeps the Momentum Going
Adding fuel to the fire, Ayra Starr recently dropped her summer banger "Hot Body", a rhythmic blend of Afropop and sensual R&B that has quickly climbed music charts and TikTok trends. The single is part of her ongoing sophomore album rollout, following the success of her debut project 19 & Dangerous.
As AfroNation Punta Cana approaches, expectations are high that Ayra will deliver yet another unforgettable performance — solidifying her status not just as a local icon, but as a true international headliner.