Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has opened up about the toll years of constant touring took on her, revealing that the demanding schedule eventually left her feeling “robotic” and disconnected from herself.
Speaking during an Apple Music interview with Nadeska Alexis, the singer said she had been performing and touring consistently since releasing her first EP, leaving little time to stop, rest or simply enjoy life away from work.
Starr explained that during her previous tours, she often operated without enough preparation and gradually slipped into what she described as an “autopilot” state.
“I let myself go. I became this autopilot robotic,” she said, reflecting on the pressure she felt to constantly do more.
The singer said the more she worked, the more people expected from her, creating a cycle where she felt she constantly had to prove she was doing enough.
“The more I worked hard to prove like I am doing, the more people said you could be doing way more,” she said.
Ayra Starr chooses to slow down
Unlike her previous album cycles, Starr said she deliberately decided not to immediately embark on another tour after releasing her third album, ‘Starrgirl’.
She explained that she wanted time to reconnect with herself and enjoy the results of years of hard work before returning to a demanding touring schedule.
“There’s always going to be more,” Starr said, noting that even highly successful people often continue chasing the next achievement.
For her, the current phase is about learning to give herself permission to simply exist outside the pressure of constant productivity.
“I just also want to be happy. I also want to be content,” she said.
The singer added that simple activities such as spending time in her apartment, arranging flowers or watching television had become important ways for her to slow down and reconnect with herself.
Break renews excitement for stage
Starr said stepping away from constant performing has also changed how she feels about touring.
She revealed that this is the first time since releasing her debut EP that she has not been performing as frequently.
“I’ve been touring like every year since I released my first EP. I’ve always been performing,” she said.
The break, however, appears to have renewed her enthusiasm for live shows.
After performing songs from ‘Starrgirl’ at All Points East and hearing fans sing along, Starr said she became excited about returning to the road.
“I actually can’t wait to go on tour,” she said.
The singer added that the slower pace has allowed her to prepare mentally and physically in a way she did not during previous tours.
Starr said the experience has taught her that success should not come at the expense of her well-being, adding that she now wants to create systems that work for her rather than constantly conforming to expectations placed on her by others.
