Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has opened up about why she chose to relocate to New York, clearing up assumptions that the move was mainly for career advancement or label pressure.
The move reflects her emotional connection to the city rather than just professional motivations.
Speaking in an interview with Hot 93.7, the 23-year-old revealed that her decision was deeply personal.
According to her, New York has always felt like a second home.Ayra Starr, who recently hailed Wizkid as the King of Afrobeats, said the city’s atmosphere reminds her of Lagos in many ways.
In her words:
“I really like it here. I might actually move here… It just felt amazing. New York reminds me of Lagos. The energy, the people, the African diaspora… I feel at home here.”
The singer added that performing in New York has always been a unique experience for her, so relocating felt like a natural next step rather than a sudden change.
Her move sparked conversations among fans who wondered if it meant distancing herself from Nigeria or the Afrobeats culture that shaped her artistry.
Explaining her intentions, she said:
“I moved to broaden my sound and just to make my people proud around the world.
I want to carry my culture wherever I go.”
