Afrobeats sensation, Ayra Starr has opened up about one of the most unforgettable moments of her career — collaborating with former One Direction star, Zayn Malik.

The singer revealed that working with Malik was once nothing more than a distant dream she had as a schoolgirl obsessed with One Direction.

She noted that, back then, she spent her days scribbling the band’s lyrics in her notebooks, never imagining that one day she would share a song with one of its biggest stars.

Speaking about her latest album, Starrgirl, Ayra said the collaboration felt surreal because it represented a dream she had held onto for years.

“What once felt impossible is now my reality,” the singer reflected, recalling how far she has come from her school days to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated music exports.

The excitement did not end with recording the song. Ayra also had the opportunity to meet Malik in person while shooting the music video, a moment she described as both shocking and unforgettable.

Using her journey as an example, the singer encouraged young dreamers to remain focused and keep working towards their goals, no matter how distant they may seem.