Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has responded sharply to an American woman who accused her of “dancing with the devil” following her recent signing with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
The controversy began after Ayra Starr shared photos of herself on her X handle, joking about her body changes. In the pictures, the 22-year-old singer appeared in a dress that highlighted her chest. She captioned the post: “Really dnt knw hw to act with these new tiddiesss.”
While many fans reacted with laughter and compliments, one American woman turned the conversation in another direction. The woman claimed that Ayra Starr’s playful post was proof of a deeper agenda linked to her new record deal.
“One thing about working with Jay Z, you gotta dance with the devil baby… literally,” the woman commented, suggesting that signing with Roc Nation required compromising one’s faith or morals.
Ayra Starr wasted no time in shutting down the claim. Replying directly to the comment, she wrote: “Back to sender babyyyy.”
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Since signing with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in July, Ayra Starr has found herself at the centre of online rumours and conspiracy theories. The global deal, which was celebrated by fans and fellow artists as a major milestone for Afrobeats, has also fueled speculation from critics who link American music executives to occult practices.
Last month, blogs circulated an unverified claim that Ayra Starr’s five-year Roc Nation contract barred her from having a boyfriend or starting a family during the duration of the agreement. The rumour suggested that her career growth would come at the cost of her personal life.
Ayra Starr quickly debunked the story, dismissing it as baseless gossip. She wrote on X that no such clause existed in her contract and urged fans not to believe false reports.
Despite the controversies, Ayra Starr’s career continues to soar. Known for hits like Away, Rush, and Bloody Samaritan, she has become one of the leading female voices in Afrobeats. Her energetic performances and bold style have earned her a loyal fanbase across Africa, Europe, and America.
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The Roc Nation deal, announced in July, was seen as a strategic move to expand her influence globally. The partnership gives her access to international resources, promotional opportunities, and collaborations that could elevate her to the level of Afrobeats superstars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems.
For Ayra Starr, the journey has been rapid. From being signed to Mavin Records by Don Jazzy in 2020 to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages within three years, her rise has been remarkable. With Roc Nation now backing her, industry experts believe her reach will only grow wider.
Following the latest accusation, many of her fans rushed to defend her online. Some praised her for responding with humour rather than anger. “Ayra’s clapback was short and classy. No need to explain yourself to people who don’t believe in you,” one fan posted.
Others criticised the tendency to link African artists’ success with occult practices. “Why is it that every time a Nigerian artist makes it big, people start shouting ‘Illuminati’ and ‘devil’? Let’s just celebrate her wins,” another wrote.
For rising stars like Ayra Starr, global recognition often comes with scrutiny. As Afrobeats continues to dominate charts worldwide, artists are increasingly targeted with rumours, conspiracy theories, and online criticism. Industry analysts say learning to navigate this spotlight is now part of the job.
Ayra Starr appears unfazed. Her lighthearted response, “Back to sender babyyyy”, shows she is not willing to let conspiracy theories distract her from her music.
With her Roc Nation deal in full swing and her career gaining momentum, Ayra Starr seems focused on bigger goals. As she prepares for new music releases and international tours, one thing is clear: the singer is determined to rise above the noise.
