Nigerian Afropop powerhouse Ayra Starr is rewriting history—and this summer, she’s doing it live at the 45th edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival (FIJM).
On July 1, the Grammy-nominated singer will headline the festival’s biggest night with a free, open-air concert at the iconic TD Stage at Place des Festivals—a milestone moment for both the artist and the globally respected jazz event.
Fresh from electrifying crowds in St. Kitts, Ayra Starr will bring her hypnotic fusion of Afropop, R&B, and soul to the heart of Montreal in what’s expected to be one of the festival’s most talked-about performances.
Ayra Starr’s Meteoric Rise
2025 is already shaping up to be Ayra’s year:
BET Award winner for Best International Act
Double MOBO Award champion
Viral hit “Last Heartbreak Song” earned her a Headies win with R&B star Giveon
1+ Billion YouTube views — making her the first Nigerian female artist to cross the mark
The 21-year-old songstress, known for breakout tracks like Rush and Sability, now shares festival billing with music giants like Nas, who’s performing Illmatic with an orchestra, and genre-bender Thundercat—solidifying her status as a global music force.
Afrobeat Takes Over Montreal
This year, the FIJM is embracing more than jazz—it’s celebrating rhythm in every form. With over 350 shows (two-thirds of them free), the festival is offering a dynamic mix of sounds from around the world. And July 1 is a full Afrobeat takeover.
Before Ayra’s headlining set, fans can dive into “We Are Afro – The Yard”, a daylong celebration of Afro-centric sounds from 3 PM to 9 PM at PHONO, Maison du Festival. Expect booming DJ sets, dancing, and a communal vibe that blends Lagos energy with Montreal flair.
Why This Matters
Ayra’s headline slot marks a major cultural shift for one of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals. FIJM’s embrace of Afropop reflects the genre’s explosive global influence and Africa’s rising presence on international stages.
Montreal’s main stage—once reserved for jazz icons—is now pulsing with the energy of a new generation. Ayra Starr isn’t just performing; she’s breaking boundaries.
Your Montreal Game Plan – July 1
9:30 PM – Ayra Starr performs FREE on the TD Stage
3–9 PM – “We Are Afro – The Yard” party at PHONO
Explore food trucks, music pop-ups, and street art in Quartier des Spectacles
Pro tip: Arrive early for the best view and soak up the full-day Afrobeat experience before the main event.
Final Note
This isn’t just a concert—it’s a moment. Ayra Starr’s set at FIJM is a celebration of culture, rhythm, and global unity through music. If you’re in Canada—or anywhere near—this is your sign to witness history in motion.
Afrobeats has gone global. And Ayra Starr is leading the charge
