Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has opened up about how far she has come in her music career, recalling a childhood dream that once seemed almost impossible.
The award-winning singer spoke about her journey while reflecting on her recent collaboration with British singer Zayn Malik.
Ayra Starr revealed that working with Malik was something she had imagined long before becoming a successful musician.
She said her dreams once appeared distant, but persistent effort helped turn them into reality.
“Your dreams might seem so far away, but it’s just here. And you just have to work towards that.”
The singer recalled how she used to write lyrics from One Direction songs in her school notebook while growing up.
According to her, she sometimes got into trouble at school for writing the lyrics instead of focusing on her schoolwork.
“And being able to have a song with someone like Zayn Malik is something that I dreamt about.”
She explained that the possibility of meeting Malik once felt extremely far away.
“Like, it felt so far away. I’m telling you, it felt so far away. Going to school, going to school every day.”
Ayra Starr said her childhood memories became even more meaningful when she eventually worked with Malik professionally.
“I’m writing like the lyrics, One Direction lyrics on my notebook and getting in trouble for it and stuff like that.”
The singer described the experience as a remarkable moment in her career, noting that she not only worked with Malik but also met him in person during the music video shoot.
“Like it’s things that felt so far away. And now like I did a music video with Zayn Malik and he was there in person.”
Reflecting on the encounter, Ayra Starr jokingly recalled greeting the former One Direction star as though they were old friends.
“I was like, hello friend, long time no see. This is crazy.”
Watch the video here…
“Your dreams might seem so far away, but you just have to work towards it. Being able to have a song with someone like Zayn Malik is something I dreamt about, and it felt so far away.” — Singer Ayra Starr pic.twitter.com/Zhn66jVBlS
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) August 27, 2026