• Ayra Starr spoke about Nigeria’s electricity challenges during a panel session at Global Citizen NOW
• The Afrobeats star encouraged young Africans to become part of efforts to create solar and renewable energy solutions across the continent
• She stressed that millions of children across Africa still lack access to electricity and called for improved energy access to help children learn and achieve their dreams

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has opened up about how irregular electricity supply in Nigeria shaped her childhood, stressing that millions of African children still struggle with poor access to power and other basic energy needs.

The singer, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, spoke on Thursday, May 14, during a discussion on equitable energy access at Global Citizen NOW in New York City, where she was interviewed by Zain Asher.

Reflecting on her upbringing in Nigeria, Ayra Starr said living without reliable electricity affected many aspects of daily life and forced children to adapt to difficult conditions.

“The experience for me definitely made me who I am today because I’ve had to find ways to do things. I had to do without the comfort of electricity and all of that,” she said.

The singer explained that simple comforts such as fans or air conditioning could have made schoolwork easier while growing up.

“If I came back from school and I was able to have AC or even fan in the heat and do my assignments, that would have made a big difference,” she added.

Ayra Starr noted that unstable electricity was a shared experience for many children across Nigeria.

“Every Nigerian child has faced some type of electricity issues or not having to depend on electricity to do a lot of things,” she said.

She also recalled how the lack of steady power affected small businesses, sharing memories of her grandmother’s tomato and pepper trade.

“My grandma used to sell tomatoes and pepper and we would have to sell it quick because there was no light,” the singer recounted.

Speaking further on renewable energy and sustainable power solutions in Africa, Ayra Starr said her involvement with Global Citizen had broadened her understanding of global energy challenges.

“Before this, I didn’t really know much about global energy solutions, I’m not going to lie. But I’m learning so much and it’s so inspiring,” she said.

The Afrobeats star expressed optimism about the role young Africans could play in transforming the continent through innovation and renewable energy initiatives.

“We are a lot of young people in Africa. They are very eager to work and change the continent for the better,” she stated.

According to her, discussions around clean energy could motivate young viewers to create solutions within their communities.

“A young girl can be watching this right now at home and it’s like, okay, let me try and find solar energy solutions for my country too,” she said.

In an earlier message shown during the summit, Ayra Starr described her appearance at the event as “a full circle moment,” while recalling her debut performance at the Global Citizen Power Hour Planet Concert in Paris.

She praised Global Citizen for bringing together “major international artists, committed world leaders and CEOs and business executives who put people over profit.”

In a recorded video played at the event, the singer shared memories of waiting for electricity as a child just to watch the Disney series Hannah Montana.

“I would have to wait until 6:00 p.m. for the power to come on so I could watch Hannah Montana,” she said.

“But even I was lucky. Some children in Africa have no access to light at all. No child should be left in the dark. They need light to walk, study, and practice. They need light to reach their dreams.”

Federal Government plans major energy overhaul, aims for 20 hours of power by 2027

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government had announced plans to supply Nigerians with a minimum of 20 hours of electricity per day by 2027, contingent upon securing adequate investment in the country's oil and gas sector, which is currently underperforming.

Olu Verheijen emphasised the need for investment to meet power goals amid Nigeria's national grid breakdowns.