Photo Credit: GIONCARLO VALENTINE
In a compelling collaboration, Coco Jones and Ayra Starr have come together to create “Woman Commando,” a standout track on Starr’s latest album The Year I Turned 21. Despite hailing from different musical backgrounds, with Jones representing the soulful sounds of R&B and Starr leading the Afrobeats charge, their collaboration speaks to the power of music as a universal language.
Coco Jones first gained fame in her early teens through Disney’s Let It Shine, but her journey has been anything but straightforward. After being dropped by her label at 16, Jones rebuilt her career with grit and determination. Her 2022 EP What I Didn’t Tell You, featuring the Grammy-winning “ICU,” marked her triumphant return to the spotlight. On the other hand, Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, took inspiration from global influences, including Disney, to fuel her own musical aspirations. Her debut album 19 & Dangerous propelled her to stardom, with hits like “Rush” earning international acclaim, including a nod from former President Barack Obama.
The pair met at a dinner in London, where they bonded over shared experiences and creative visions. This meeting ultimately led to their collaboration on The Year I Turned 21, where they joined forces alongside Brazilian singer Anitta on the empowering anthem “Woman Commando.” Starr described the track as a celebration of female power, drawing parallels to Beyoncé’s “Run The World (Girls),” with each artist contributing her unique voice to the mix.
Their conversation during a recent interview revealed a deep connection rooted in mutual respect. Jones reflected on the importance of balancing personal well-being with the demands of fame, acknowledging how her second wave of success came through platforms like TikTok, where she could create freely. Starr shared similar sentiments, highlighting the immense pressures behind the scenes, but also her sense of responsibility to young African women who look up to her as a role model.
As both artists continue to rise, their collaboration on “Woman Commando” stands as a symbol of unity across genres and cultures, blending the emotional depth of R&B with the infectious energy of Afrobeats. Together, they are not only redefining their own careers but also Contributing to a broader cultural exchange that resonates with audiences worldwide. This partnership signals exciting things ahead for both Jones and Starr, as they continue to navigate their ever-evolving musical journeys.
