Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has previewed her unreleased song “Ms Paper” during an appearance on the US television programme TODAY, giving fans an early taste of her forthcoming third studio album, Starr Girl.
The singer performed “Ms Paper” alongside “Tornado” and her 2022 hit “Rush” during the TODAY show’s Citi Summer Concert Series. The performance comes one week before the scheduled release of Starr Girl, which is set to arrive on Aug. 14.
“Ms Paper” is expected to feature on the new album, with the track appearing on published pre-release listings for Starr Girl. The project is positioned as the follow-up to Ayra Starr’s 2024 sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21.
During her appearance, Ayra Starr also spoke about the personal direction of the forthcoming project, describing the new era as one centred on her growth and evolution while living in New York City. She said listeners would hear how her sound has developed as she moves into a new phase of her career.
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The TODAY appearance also came shortly after the singer raised concern among fans by sharing a photograph of herself in a hospital bed on July 31. She did not disclose the reason for her hospitalization but told the programme that she was recovering and grateful to have had the strength to perform.
Starr Girl was first announced by Ayra Starr during her April appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she initially said the album would be released in July. The project was subsequently moved to Aug. 14.
The album follows a busy period for the singer, who has released several songs in the run-up to the project. These include “Hot Body,” the Grammy-nominated “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, “Who’s Dat Girl” with Rema and “Tornado.” Ayra Starr has also said fans should expect variety from the new project rather than a single defined sound.
The forthcoming album is also expected to feature collaborations with artists including Zayn Malik, Ken, Leon Thomas, Theodora, Danny Ocean and Wizkid, according to details Ayra Starr shared during her TODAY appearance.
With Starr Girl now days away from release, the performance of “Ms Paper” provides another preview of the direction Ayra Starr is taking with her third studio project, while extending the album’s promotional campaign to a major US television audience.
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