Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, has admitted she is worried that her latest social media trend, inspired by her new single Hot Body, could spark conspiracy theories about her.
The Grammy-nominated star, who recently released the track as her first single under Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, revealed her concerns on X.
She expressed fears that the unconventional nature of the challenge might lead to people labelling her with spiritual or demonic associations.
“I better not get any mami water allegation because of this hot body video,” she wrote.
The Hot Body challenge was designed by Ayra Starr and her team to boost the single’s popularity. The trend encourages young women to showcase their confidence and dance while celebrating their bodies as the song plays in the background. While many fans embraced it, critics have accused the singer of promoting nudity and indecency.
Read Also: Jaywon questions Ayra Starr’s fashion choices, sparks debate
One of the critics, veteran singer Jaywon, recently questioned Ayra Starr’s fashion sense. He went further to ask if she had parents who could advise her on her choice of public appearance. His comments triggered a wave of online debates about artistic freedom, culture, and morality in Nigerian music.
Ayra Starr’s fears are not far-fetched. In recent years, conspiracy theories have often trailed popular artists in Nigeria and beyond.
Fans and critics have sometimes accused entertainers of being linked to mystical powers or secret cults whenever their art appears unusual or unconventional.
Her label mate, Rema, faced similar allegations in 2023 after his headline concert at London’s O2 Arena. During the performance, the singer appeared on stage riding an artificial horse and wearing a symbolic mask. Many on social media accused him of using “satanic” or “Illuminati” imagery.
However, Rema later explained that the stage props were cultural references. The horse, he said, was modelled after a Benin artefact, while the mask was a replica of the historic Queen Idia mask. In March 2025, during an interview with Rolling Stone, he again dismissed the rumours, stressing that he was neither part of the Illuminati nor involved in devil worship.
For Ayra Starr, the concern is that Hot Body may expose her to similar speculation. The singer has already faced criticism in the past for her bold fashion choices, often described as daring and unconventional. Supporters, however, argue that her style represents confidence and global pop culture, which appeals to her young fan base.
The controversy reflects a broader cultural clash between tradition and modern music trends in Nigeria. While artists like Ayra Starr push boundaries to compete on the global stage, critics fear that such expressions undermine local values.
Despite the backlash, Hot Body has gained traction online, with fans participating in the trend across TikTok and Instagram. Whether or not the conspiracy theories emerge, Ayra Starr’s latest single has already succeeded in sparking conversations and keeping her at the centre of attention.
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