Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has reflected on her collaboration with former One Direction member Zayn Malik, describing the experience as the realisation of a childhood dream.
The singer made the revelation while discussing her latest studio album, Starrgirl, which features Malik on the track “Heaven Baby.” She recalled being a passionate One Direction fan during her school years and said she once could not imagine working with one of the group’s members.
According to Starr, she used to write One Direction lyrics in her school notebooks, making the eventual opportunity to collaborate with Zayn particularly meaningful.
“Being able to have a song with someone like Zayn Malik is something that I dreamt about. Like, it felt so far away,” the singer said.
She also recalled meeting Malik during the filming of the song’s music video, describing the experience as surreal after years of admiring his work.
Starr encouraged people with big ambitions not to abandon their dreams simply because they initially appear unrealistic.
“Your dreams might seem so far away, but it’s just here. And you just have to work towards that,” she said.
The collaboration has attracted attention because it brings together two artistes from different musical backgrounds. Starr represents the new generation of Nigerian Afrobeats stars, while Zayn gained global recognition as a member of One Direction before establishing a solo career.
The moment also offers a glimpse into Starr’s journey from aspiring young singer to an internationally recognised artiste working with musicians she once admired.
Released on August 14, Starrgirl is Starr’s third studio album and includes collaborations with several international and African artistes, including Wizkid, Rema and Leon Thomas.
The Zayn Malik collaboration has consequently become more than another album feature for Ayra Starr. It represents a full-circle moment in her career and highlights the growing international reach of Nigerian Afrobeats.
For Starr, the experience serves as a reminder of how ambitions that once seemed distant can become reality through persistence, creativity and continued growth.
