Ayra Starr Apologises For ‘Disrespecting’ King Sunny Ade

Grammy nominated Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr, has apologised for not greeting legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade (KSA), properly.

LEADERSHIP reports that a video of Ayra Starr, 21, at the Afrozons pre-Grammy party in Lagos State, shaking hands with 77-year-old KSA without going down on her knees or curtsying had angered some netizens.

The singer’s gesture was described as uncultured, with one X user, @_AsiwajuLerry, writing: “The fact that Ayra Starr is a Yoruba girl makes this quite disrespectful no matter how you spin it.

“She must not go on her knees but a simple knee gesture would do. The man even bowed his head out of respect for the person he’s shaking and she was there standing like a shigidi.”

LEADERSHIP reports that “shigidi” is Yoruba word for craven image.

Another X user, @OlamideØfficial wrote “I believe Ayra Starr truly didn’t see King Sunny Ade very well yesterday night. Aside KSA’s legacy, he is old enough to be her grand dad and she has no reason to disrespect him. It’s an unintentional mistake.”

Moments after many social media users criticised her for being disrespectful, Ayra Starr issued a public apology.

She wrote “I’m so sorry, I had just walked in and all the lights and nerves didn’t let me see but i came back around to greet everyone properly, I have never been that girl to be disrespectful, I’m a proper Yoruba girlllll and the video didn’t start until after I’d greeted burna’s mom! I’m very sorry to the legend, uncle and King Sunny Ade.”

LEADERSHIP reports that Ayra Starr was nominated for her first Grammy Award in the category of Best African Music Performance for her song “Rush.”