Ayra Starr to Headline Montreal International Jazz Festival, Marks Another Global Milestone
Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is set to headline the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival in Canada, marking yet another high point in her fast-rising international music career.
The 2025 edition of the festival—widely regarded as one of the largest and most respected jazz and music festivals in the world—kicks off today, July 1, 2025, and features a diverse lineup of global music acts. Ayra Starr will take center stage, representing both Nigeria and the vibrant sound of contemporary Afrobeats on a world-class platform.
The singer, known for her hit tracks like Rush and Bloody Samaritan, has been on a roll this year. Fresh from winning Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, she continues to break new ground and expand her influence beyond Africa.
Her performance at the Montreal festival follows a string of appearances across North America and the Caribbean, including a standout set at the St. Kitts Music Festival just weeks ago.
Ayra Starr’s growing international recognition signals a powerful shift in the global music landscape, with African artists now headlining events previously reserved for Western acts. Speaking ahead of her performance, the 22-year-old singer expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to share her sound with new audiences.
“This is more than a performance. It’s a moment of pride—for me, for Nigerian music, and for every young African girl with a dream,” she said in a recent interview.
The Montreal International Jazz Festival, which runs through July 10, features over 500 concerts and attracts hundreds of thousands of music lovers from around the world. Ayra Starr’s inclusion in this year’s headliners not only amplifies her profile but also signals Afrobeats’ deepening global footprint.