Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Ayra Starr, has called for urgent global action on energy inequality, stressing that no child should grow up without access to electricity.
She made the call on May 15, 2026, while speaking at the Global Citizen NOW Summit held in New York City, United States.
The singer spoke during a panel session focused on energy access and sustainable development, where global creatives, policymakers, and advocates gathered to discuss solutions to electricity poverty, particularly in developing regions.
Ayra Starr used the platform to highlight the struggles faced by millions of children growing up without stable electricity across Africa, saying it directly affects education, productivity, and childhood development.
She stated:
“No child should be left in the dark.”
“They need light to walk, study, and practice.”
“They need light to reach their dreams.”
She explained that her advocacy is deeply personal, linking it to her upbringing in Nigeria, where constant power outages shaped her daily life and experiences.
She noted that electricity access should not be considered a privilege but a basic necessity for human development.
She added:
“Every Nigerian child has faced some type of electricity issues growing up.”
The singer also shared a personal family experience, explaining how power shortages affected small businesses at home.
“My grandma used to sell tomatoes and pepper and we would have to sell it quick because there was no light.”
Ayra Starr further called for increased investment in renewable energy solutions across Africa, emphasizing that young people have a crucial role to play in driving innovation and change in the energy sector.
She said access to electricity represents more than power supply, describing it as a foundation for opportunity, education, and hope.
The Global Citizen NOW Summit continues to serve as a major platform for global voices addressing pressing humanitarian and development challenges, with energy access taking center stage at this year’s edition.