Ayra Starr Faces Backlash After Supporting Naira Marley

Rising Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has ignited a social media storm after supporting fellow artist Naira Marley, sparking widespread controversy.

The uproar started when a video surfaced of Ayra Starr, known for her hits with Mavin Records, dancing to Naira Marley‘s track “Pxy Drip (I’m Back).” The backlash stemmed from Marley‘s controversial history, particularly his alleged role in the death of his former signee, Mohbad, which has led to calls for his cancellation.

Naira Marley, born Azeez Fashola, has long been a divisive figure in Nigerian music. Following Mohbad‘s death in 2023, Marley faced accusations of bullying and cyberstalking, resulting in a significant decline in his public presence. However, his latest song has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where it’s amassed millions of views.

The support Ayra Starr showed Marley sparked swift backlash, with fans voicing their disappointment on social media. Some even called for her to be canceled, with one user saying, “I’m so disappointed in Ayra Starr for promoting Naira Marley’s song. We need to cancel her!” This sentiment is shared by some music fans who oppose supporting artists with controversial histories.

In defense of Ayra Starr, Naira Marley responded, telling critics to focus their anger on him. “Cry in peace and stop disturbing us with noise. Leave her (Ayra Starr) alone and cancel me again,” he said. His statement only fueled the controversy and added to the ongoing tension surrounding his image.

Ayra Starr later removed the video from her TikTok, but it had already gone viral. The incident has sparked broader discussions about cancel culture, forgiveness, and the separation of an artist’s personal life from their work.

Meanwhile, Naira Marley seems to be using the drama to his advantage. He shares videos of other celebrities, like Regina Daniels, dancing to his song and promotes its YouTube views, turning the situation into a marketing opportunity.