“Rihanna Helped Me Find My Confidence”- Ayra Starr

• Ayra Starr, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, shared her experience meeting Rihanna in Barbados in 2024.
• The encounter occurred during a time when Starr was struggling with low self-esteem.
• Rihanna’s warmth and presence had a significant positive impact on Starr’s confidence and self-image.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has opened up about how her 2024 encounter with global music icon Rihanna in Barbados positively impacted her confidence and self-image.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, the 23-year-old artiste revealed that she was going through a period of low self-esteem at the time of their meeting, but Rihanna’s presence and warmth helped her regain a stronger sense of self.

Ayra Starr recalled one of her most memorable moments with the superstar, saying they sat together while watching her music videos.

She added, “At that time I was struggling with my self-image and confidence, so that moment meant everything.”

The singer further described the experience as deeply emotional, adding that she felt as though “God had sent” Rihanna to her. She also called their first meeting “one of the most amazing feelings” she has ever experienced.

Ayra Starr has often spoken about her admiration for Rihanna, consistently naming her as a major inspiration and role model in her music career.

During their 2024 meeting, Rihanna also expressed interest in collaborating with Ayra Starr as well as fellow Nigerian star Tems.

In other news… A woman has sparked widespread reactions online after sharing a controversial opinion about candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The comment, which surfaced on social media, suggested that students who cannot independently find their way to their examination centres may not be prepared for higher education.

“If a child cannot confidently navigate their way to a JAMB centre on their own, it is a feedback that they are not ready for higher institution,” she said.

The statement quickly gained traction, triggering mixed reactions among Nigerians who debated the realities faced by candidates across the country.

While some users supported her stance, arguing that independence and basic life skills are essential for success in tertiary institutions, others strongly disagreed, pointing to Nigeria’s unique challenges.