Award-winning Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has shared her emotional experience of meeting global music icon Rihanna, describing the encounter as surreal and deeply inspiring.
In an interview with ETalk TV, the Mavin Records star recounted how much the meeting meant to her, revealing that the Barbadian superstar is not only someone she looks up to—but also a fan of her music.
“I’m my favourite artist’s favorite artist,” Ayra said with excitement, calling the experience humbling and unforgettable.
She praised Rihanna’s character and creativity, referring to her as “an amazing artist, woman, and person in general.” The Rush crooner said the meeting reaffirmed her admiration for the singer, who she described as her role model.
“She [Rihanna] is such an amazing person. To be honest, it [meeting her] still feels like a dream. I love her so much. People always say, ‘never meet your idols’, but I’m so glad I met mine because she’s just an amazing person. And the fact that she loves my music; I’m my favourite artist’s favourite artist,” she said.
Ayra also admitted feeling nervous during their interaction, saying she often resorted to humor to mask her anxiety.
“She’s such an amazing artist, an amazing woman, an amazing person in general; somebody to look up to. I know I chose a great role model, and being able to be around her, I usually don’t know what to do with myself. When I get nervous around her, I try to make unnecessary jokes.”
Looking ahead, Ayra Starr expressed hope for a future collaboration with Rihanna, saying the opportunity to work with her idol would be a dream come true.
