Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has opened up about why she chose to relocate to New York, clearing up assumptions that the move was mainly for career advancement or label pressure.
Speaking in an interview with Hot 93.7, the 23-year-old revealed that her decision was deeply personal. According to her, New York has always felt like a second home.
Ayra Starr, who recently hailed Wizkid as the King of Afrobeats, said the city’s atmosphere reminds her of Lagos in many ways.
In her words:
“I really like it here. I might actually move here… It just felt amazing. New York reminds me of Lagos. The energy, the people, the African diaspora… I feel at home here.”
The singer added that performing in New York has always been a unique experience for her, so relocating felt like a natural next step rather than a sudden change.
Her move sparked conversations among fans who wondered if it meant distancing herself from Nigeria or the Afrobeats culture that shaped her artistry. Ayra Starr clarified that this isn’t the case.
Explaining her intentions, she said:
“I moved to broaden my sound and just to make my people proud around the world. I want to carry my culture wherever I go.”
Watch the video here:
View this post on Instagram
See post below:
@octcoming:”Same honestly, see hustlers everywhere like lagos trying to sell things close to the street”
@crypto_psalm:”Why she talk like that na because NYC is literally giving Lagos vibes, street life and gangster culture”
@Yondaime4l:”You people can keep saying Nigeria made them, come back home and alladat. The dreams and goals are bigger than Nigeria, there’s a point where Nigeria stops leveling you up.”
@DaOnlyOne51330:”Abi na only me no understand??? Shey Lagos run go somewhere?? Why she no just stay Lagos??”
@__oses:”Now yall see why they don’t bother to speak on the problems in Nigeria? Cos they can easily relocate at any time.”
@Amakah101:”If I have money I’ll make the same decision. Those crowds and constant movements, love the aesthetic”
@utuhmbadike:”Insecurity don make her japa na why burna boy is not seeing himself as a Nigeria artist bcos himself don japa”