Ayra Starr releases the new single, "Rhythm & Blues"

Fresh from making her first appearance at the MTV VMAs, the soulful Afrobeats track marks a new chapter for the hotly-tipped singer-songwriter, who is ready to unleash a new body of work following the huge success of her singles "Rush" and "Sability".

"I consider myself a hard girl void of vulnerability, I would say love songs were cheesy and wouldn’t think of making one but I’ve finally found a balance. I’ve put myself out there and I’m allowing myself receive and give love through music and It’s safe to say I’ve let my guard down with 'Rhythm and Blues'," she says. "Adding the Ayra Starr colour to Afrobeats with the melodies, riffs and runs and overall delivery, 'Rhythm and Blues' was quite easy to make while collaborating with Sparrq and Novemba. It shows that I can be vulnerable while still being a strong woman embracing my emotions”.

Following the release of her defining debut album, 19 & Dangerous, her position as Africa’s hottest rising star has seen Ayra Starr tapped for collaborations with some of music’s biggest names including Wizkid, Stormzy, Kelly Rowland, Tiwa Savage and Leigh-Anne, to name just a few.

Ayra Starr is currently embarking on her first headline tour, the “21: The World Tour”. The 37-date tour – which spans North America, Africa, Australia and Europe – will see her performing in the UK, and hitting London's KOKO on 17 November.