Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has opened up about her new life in New York, weeks after relocating from Lagos following a management deal with American entertainment giant Roc Nation.
In a deeply personal Substack post titled “I’m not scared, I promise,” the singer shared her struggles with loneliness, cold weather, and moments of self-doubt in the unfamiliar city.
Ayra described her New York apartment as “almost empty” and painted a vivid picture of life in the city, calling it “a walk-in freezer.” She admitted that the harsh weather and isolation have sometimes made her question her decision to move.
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“It’s so cold it feels like the city is actively trying to unalive my motivation,” she wrote. “It’s the kind of cold that makes you realize happiness was just a summer hallucination.”
The singer added that she often hears a small, sarcastic voice in her head asking, “Who sent you work?, a reflection of the emotional weight that sometimes comes with chasing big dreams far from home.
Ayra Starr did not hide the fact that she occasionally feels regret about relocating. She revealed that while many Nigerians were enjoying the festive Detty December season back home, she was dealing with solitude in New York.
According to her, the contrast between what she could have been doing in Lagos and her current reality has been difficult to process.
“I would have been home, outside, enjoying Detty December with my people,” she noted, explaining that her situation is the result of a bold and rebellious risk she chose to take.
Despite the challenges, the Rush crooner made it clear that the move represents growth and self-discovery.
She said she is currently in what she described as her “nobody gets me era,” a phase where she feels misunderstood but more focused on herself than ever before.
Ayra stressed that she is no longer interested in proving herself to anyone. Instead, she is learning to sit with her emotions and accept the discomfort that comes with personal evolution.
Since relocating, Ayra Starr has continued to build her international profile, performing on major stages and expanding her presence in the global music scene.
Her partnership with Roc Nation is seen as a significant step in her career, placing her among a growing list of African artists breaking into the global market.
While life in New York has not been easy, Ayra’s reflections suggest she understands that growth often comes with discomfort.
For now, she appears determined to embrace the journey, cold weather and all, as she carves out her next chapter on the world stage.
