Ayra Starr Tipped as Next Global Pop Star by Coldplay’s Chris Martin

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has boldly predicted that Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is on track to become “the world’s biggest pop star.” The endorsement came during Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres world tour stop at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Martin introduced the 22-year-old Mavin Records artist to a packed crowd, including football icon Lionel Messi and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo.

Starr joined Coldplay on stage to perform their collaborative track “Good Feelings,” a standout from Coldplay’s tenth album, Moon Music, released October 4, 2024. She also debuted her new single “Hot Body,” electrifying the audience with her vibrant energy and Afrobeats flair. Martin, a seven-time Grammy winner, praised Starr’s talent, saying, “This is Ayra Starr from Nigeria. She is going to be the world’s biggest pop star so soon.” The performance, marked by Starr’s dynamic stage presence and choreography, underscored her rising global profile.

Starr, known for hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” has been making waves since her 2021 debut album 19 & Dangerous. Her sophomore release, The Year I Turned 21, earned critical acclaim, with Martin offering production tips during a studio session last year. Starr’s recent milestones include headlining Summer Jam 2025, a Met Gala appearance, and a role in the upcoming film Children of Blood and Bone. Her Hot Body single, released July 25, has already garnered millions of streams, cementing her as a leader in the global Afrobeats movement.

Martin’s endorsement, paired with Starr’s performances alongside Coldplay in cities like Toronto and Sydney, highlights her crossover appeal. However, rumors about restrictive clauses in her five-year Roc Nation contract, including bans on dating or starting a family, were debunked by Starr on social media, where she dismissed the claims as false. Her ability to blend Afrobeats with pop and her growing international fanbase position her as a serious contender for global stardom.

As Starr continues touring with Coldplay through August and prepares for the Global Citizen Festival in New York on September 27, her trajectory suggests she could fulfill Martin’s prediction. Her fusion of Nigerian roots with universal appeal is reshaping pop music’s landscape. Note: Details of performances and contract rumors are based on recent reports and may evolve as Starr’s career progresses.