Nigerian Afropop singer Ayra Starr has announced a collaboration with anime streaming platform Crunchyroll to release a limited-edition vinyl version of her 2026 album, Starrgirl.
The special edition, featuring original manga-inspired artwork, will be available exclusively through the Crunchyroll online store, with prices starting at $40.
According to Billboard, which exclusively revealed the collaboration on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, preorders for the vinyl opened the same day.
The project reflects the Grammy-nominated singer’s longstanding interest in Japanese animation and expands the visual identity of her latest album.
Ayra Starr brings anime inspiration to ‘Starrgirl’
The limited-edition release features artwork inspired by Japanese manga, incorporating elements of the science-fiction universe developed around Starrgirl.
The collaboration will also introduce a custom animated visualiser and exclusive digital content across Crunchyroll’s platforms.
Additional promotional activities will include animated clips featuring the singer’s music, an interview with Crunchyroll News and exclusive posts across both parties’ social media accounts.
Speaking about the artistic direction, Ayra Starr explained that the character created for the album cover represented a connection between contemporary fashion and African heritage.
“The Starrgirl character we created for the album cover has such a bold yet simple statement,” she said.
The singer explained that the design combines modern clothing with traditional influences, paying tribute to the generations of women who came before her.
The collaboration brings together her musical identity and her appreciation for anime culture.
‘Starrgirl’ records chart success
Released on August 14, 2026, through Mavin Records and Republic Records, Starrgirl features collaborations with several international artistes.
Among the guest performers are British singer ZAYN on Heaven Baby, kwn on Amazing and Danny Ocean on the remix of Hot Body.
The project also includes previously released collaborations with Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema.
Wizkid appears on Gimme Dat, while Rema features on Who’s Dat Girl.
Other tracks include Where Do We Go and Misunderstood, reflecting the singer’s exploration of different musical styles.
The album debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s World Albums chart, becoming Ayra Starr’s second consecutive top-five project on the ranking.
Her previous album, The Year I Turned 21, was released in 2024.
Singer opens up about artistic growth
In a September 23 interview with Billboard, Ayra Starr discussed the creative process behind Starrgirl, explaining that the album allowed her to explore different aspects of her personality.
She said the project helped her understand that she could express herself through several musical styles rather than remain restricted to one sound.
The singer also reflected on experimenting with her fashion, hairstyles and overall artistic presentation.
According to her, the album represented an opportunity to embrace different versions of herself without sacrificing her identity.
Ayra Starr prepares for 2027 world tour
The announcement comes shortly after the singer unveiled plans for her Starrgirl World Tour, scheduled to begin in January 2027.
The European leg will open on January 20 at Live Music Hall in Cologne, Germany, before moving to cities including Paris and Milan.
The European performances will conclude on February 2 at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.
Following a short break, the singer will begin her North American tour on March 18 at the House of Blues in Houston, Texas.
The tour will also visit Atlanta, Brooklyn and Toronto before concluding on April 5 at Summit Music Hall in Denver.
The 2027 tour follows Ayra Starr’s growing international presence, including her performance at an NFL game in London in October 2026.
With the Crunchyroll collaboration, the singer is expanding the Starrgirl project beyond music into animation-inspired artwork and merchandise, connecting her Afropop audience with the global anime community.
