The Traffic NG

Ayra Starr

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has shared candid reflections on life in New York, weeks after relocating from Lagos following a management deal with Roc Nation. In a recent Substack post titled “I’m not scared, I promise,” the singer revealed the challenges of adjusting to her new environment, describing her apartment as “almost-empty” and the city as “a walk-in freezer.”

Starr, known for hits like Rush, opened up about the emotional toll of the move, admitting that she sometimes struggles with regret. “It’s so cold it feels like the city is actively trying to unalive my motivation. It’s the kind of cold that makes you realize happiness was just a summer hallucination, and I can’t stop the tiny voice at the back of my mind sarcastically saying, ‘Who sent you work?’” she wrote.

The singer contrasted her current experience with life back home, noting that while she would have been enjoying Nigeria’s festive Detty December celebrations, she finds herself isolated and battling the city’s harsh winter because she took a rebellious professional risk.

Ayra Starr also reflected on her personal growth, stating that she is now in her “nobody gets me era,” emphasizing that she no longer feels pressured to prove herself to others. Her post provides fans with an intimate glimpse into the struggles and solitude that can accompany international moves, even for high-profile artists.

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Despite the challenges, Starr’s honesty highlights her resilience and determination to navigate the pressures of building a global career while adjusting to a completely new lifestyle. Her revelations have sparked conversations among fans about the personal sacrifices artists often make in pursuit of success.

With her candid insights, Ayra Starr continues to connect with audiences not only through her music but also through her openness about mental health, adaptation, and the realities of chasing international opportunities in the competitive entertainment industry.