The Forbidden Feeling: Ayra Starr’s “Where Do We Go?” Hits Different

After showing us what she can do with her “HOT BODY,” Ayra Starr is back asking the question: “Where Do We Go?”Last year, we received a few staple pieces from Ms. Starr, including “Gimme Dat” with Wizkid and her summer hit “HOT BODY.” Ayra is already on the cusp of taking over the world—not just Nigeria.

“HOT BODY” was a strong record for Ayra, marking what feels like the start of it all. Everything about the song and its visual—from the soft production to the punchy lyrics and her subtle homage—showed us exactly what she’s capable of. Now, signed to Roc Nation and spending time living in New York, Ayra is proving that her reach goes far beyond Africa, while still staying rooted in where she comes from.

“Where Do We Go?” is a song about being caught in the thrill of liking someone while knowing the situation is both good and bad. It’s that familiar tension where both people understand it probably shouldn’t happen—but that’s exactly what makes it even more irresistible. After all, we all have a tendency to do things we know we probably shouldn’t. Some might call that the forbidden. “Where Do We Go?” taps directly into that feeling, making it a record many listeners can relate to.

Not only is “Where Do We Go?” a bodacious record—from the production to the lyrics and the central question driving it—but it also allows Ayra to showcase her voice in a way we haven’t quite heard before. She’s pushing herself further, stretching her artistry and stepping more confidently into the global pop space.

Ayra also tapped into some major heavy hitters on the production side, working with living legend ILYА, who produced and co-wrote the record. ILYA has worked with artists like Ariana Grande, Normani, Tate McRae, and Ed Sheeran, among others. Aligning herself with collaborators of that caliber will only continue pushing Ayra toward the pop star status she’s clearly aiming for.

“Where Do We Go?” might just be the record Ayra needed to break through on an even bigger scale—and I’m ready to see where it takes her.

Stream “Where Do We Go?”

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