- A video posted by Rihanna following the 2026 Met Gala has reignited a heated online debate between fans of South African star Tyla and Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr.
- The controversy stems from a Met Gala clip where Rihanna appeared to overlook Tyla, followed by Rihanna using Ayra Starr’s track ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ in a subsequent social media post.
- Despite the fan-led friction, both Tyla and Ayra Starr have consistently maintained that they are on good terms and have previously dismissed attempts to pit them against each other.
A seemingly simple social media post by global icon Rihanna has become the center of a digital tug-of-war between two of Africa’s biggest musical fanbases.
Eko Hot Blog reports that following the 2026 Met Gala, Rihanna shared a video featuring Ayra Starr’s hit ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ as the background audio.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres, Warns 89 After Mock UTME Review
- NASA Astronauts Return to Earth After First Human Trip to the Moon in 50 Years
- INEC Shifts Nationwide Voter Revalidation Until After 2027 General Election
Social media users quickly linked this choice to an earlier viral clip from the gala, which some interpreted as Rihanna ignoring Tyla while the South African artist stood nearby.
The choice of music prompted intense speculation on X (formerly Twitter), with some fans viewing it as a subtle nod to the “Who’s Dat Girl” theme in relation to the Met Gala encounter.
The post served as a catalyst for fans to revive long-standing comparisons between the two artists, focusing on streaming milestones, global visibility, and award recognitions.
While some celebrated the “link-up” between Rihanna and Ayra Starr’s music, others rushed to defend Tyla against the narrative that she had been snubbed.
In response to the growing noise, Tyla took to TikTok to clarify the Met Gala moment, explaining that she chose not to interrupt Rihanna because the mogul appeared busy.
She reminded fans of their cordial meeting the previous year to dispel rumors of any tension.
Ayra Starr has similarly spoken out against the “divisive” nature of fan rivalries, emphasizing her friendship with Tyla and advocating for a supportive environment for women in the music industry.
