Following the just concluded 2026 Met Gala, a series of social media interactions involving global icon Rihanna, South African star Tyla, and Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has ignited a fresh wave of fan rivalry.
The controversy began when a video surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), appearing to show Rihanna inadvertently ignoring Tyla on the red carpet. In the video, Tyla is seen standing nearby while Rihanna gives an interview to a journalist. The seemingly awkward moment quickly went viral, prompting critics to label the “Umbrella” singer as dismissive.
In response to the growing online reactions, Tyla released a video to clarify the situation. She explained that her hesitation to approach Rihanna stemmed from a previous meeting a year ago, where Rihanna appeared distracted.
“I wasn’t sure how to approach her this time around,” Tyla noted, citing professional courtesy rather than personal beef.
However, the narrative shifted from a snub to a shade when Rihanna posted her official Met Gala recap video.
The background music chosen for the makeover was “Who’s Dat Girl?”, a collaborative track by Ayra Starr and Rema.
Given the long-standing fan-driven comparison between Tyla and Ayra Starr, many internet users interpreted the song choice as Rihanna picking a side in the unofficial rivalry for the crown of Africa’s leading female pop star.
The rivalry is largely a creation of stans (obsessive fans), as both women have maintained a friendly professional relationship, even collaborating on music in the past.
Tyla Seethal hails from Johannesburg. She rose to the limelight with her 2023 hit “Water.” The song’s viral success on TikTok led to a Grammy win for Best African Music Performance, making her one of the youngest African artists to achieve such a feat. Her sound, which blends Amapiano with global Pop and R&B, has made her a central figure in South Africa’s musical export.
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has followed a similarly impressive trajectory. Signed to the legendary Mavin Records in Nigeria, she released her debut EP in 2021. Since then, hits like “Bloody Samaritan,” “Rush,” and more recently “Commando” have established her as a powerhouse of the Afrobeats genre. Her fashion-forward aesthetic and “Sabi Girl” persona have gained her a massive international following, frequently drawing public praise from Rihanna herself.
Rihanna’s public endorsement of Ayra Starr’s music is not new; the two have been photographed together at various Fenty events, and Rihanna has previously expressed great admiration for Ayra’s work.
Despite the artists’ visible friendship and mutual respect, their respective fan bases often engage in heated debates regarding streaming numbers, fashion choices, and international recognition. This is common in the music industry, where fans feel a protective sense of loyalty toward their favourite artists.
As of press time, neither Ayra Starr nor Tyla has issued a formal statement regarding the matter.
