Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has highlighted the serious impact of unreliable electricity across Africa, sharing how power shortages shaped her own childhood and calling for urgent change.

The singer spoke on Thursday at the Global Citizen NOW event in New York City. She explained that growing up in Nigeria with frequent power outages affected her education, daily life, and even her family’s livelihood. According to her, many African children still face the same challenges today.

Ayra Starr said every Nigerian child has experienced electricity problems at some point, forcing them to find creative ways to study, practise, or do simple tasks without light. She stressed that some children on the continent have little or no access to electricity at all.

“No child should live in darkness,” she said. “They need light to walk, study, and practise.”

The global star noted that while Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and a major oil producer, many homes and businesses still struggle with unstable power supply. She appealed to African leaders to make stable electricity a top priority, saying it would greatly improve lives and create more opportunities for young people.

Ayra Starr also expressed hope that more young Africans would get involved in developing energy solutions, especially renewable energy, for their communities. She revealed she has been learning more about global energy issues through her work with Global Citizen.

Her comments have drawn attention to the long-standing power crisis affecting millions of households across the continent. Many Nigerians and Africans who saw the interview said they could relate to her experience.

Ayra Starr’s message adds her voice to growing calls for better energy access as Africa continues to push for development and improved living standards.