Naira Marley Defends Ayra Starr Amid Backlash Over Dance Video
Popular Nigerian singer and record label boss, Azeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, has defended Afrobeats star Ayra Starr after she faced criticism for dancing to his new song, Pxy Drip (I’m Back).
A video of Ayra Starr, also known as the “Sabi Girl” crooner, vibing to the track surfaced online on Thursday. While some fans cheered her on, others accused her of endorsing Naira Marley despite the controversy surrounding him. Many critics argued that she should have distanced herself from him, considering the backlash he has faced in recent months.
The controversy stems from allegations that Naira Marley was involved in the 2023 death of his former signee, Mohbad. Following Mohbad’s passing, Naira Marley received heavy criticism, with many calling for his cancellation. Although he denied any involvement, the accusations severely affected his reputation. As a result, any association with him has sparked strong reactions, and Ayra Starr’s dance video was no exception.
In response to the online attacks, Naira Marley took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to defend Ayra Starr. He reposted the viral video and addressed his critics with a sharp message. “Cry in peace and stop disturbing us with noise,” he wrote. In another post, he added, “Leave her alone and cancel me again.”
His response has ignited fresh debates on social media. While some argue that Ayra Starr was merely enjoying music and should not be judged for it, others insist that celebrities should be mindful of their public associations. Some fans also believe that the backlash against her is unfair, as artists should be free to express themselves without fear of being dragged into controversies they are not directly involved in.
Despite the criticism, Ayra Starr has not yet responded to the controversy. However, her fans continue to show support, insisting that she should not be blamed for her musical preferences. Meanwhile, Naira Marley remains a divisive figure, with discussions about his career and past controversies still dominating conversations online.
