Ayra Starr Opens Up On How New York’s Cold Is Draining Her Motivation

Ayra Starr

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has shared a heartfelt account of her life in New York, revealing that the city’s harsh weather has been more challenging than she anticipated since relocating months ago.

The 23-year-old singer, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, announced her move to the American city in November, at which time she spoke warmly about the strong Nigerian and African community that made the transition feel familiar.

“New York reminds me so much of Lagos. There are a lot of Nigerians. There is a huge Africans in diaspora here. So it feels like home,” she said.

But in a recent Substack essay titled “I’m not scared, I promise,” the Rush crooner offered a more vulnerable reflection on her new environment. She described the city as “a walk-in freezer with rent,” explaining that the extreme cold has taken a toll on her energy and enthusiasm.

Ayra Starr wrote that the weather sometimes makes it feel as though the city is “actively trying to unalive my motivation,” adding that the experience has caused her to second-guess her decision to relocate.

“It’s the kind of cold that makes you realize happiness was just a summer hallucination, and I can’t stop the tiny voice at the back of my mind sarcastically asking, Who sent you work?” she wrote.

The singer also spoke about personal growth during this phase, describing herself as being in her “nobody gets me era.” She reflected on the emotional exhaustion that comes from years of trying to be understood, saying, “As I sit here in my nobody gets me era, there’s a certain kind of despondent, fatigued feeling surrounding me a lifetime spent proving myself. For as long as I can remember, I’ve fought to be understood.”

Despite the emotional weight of the experience, Ayra Starr ended her reflection on a hopeful note, emphasizing self-belief and independence. “Since I’m such a brave, sexy cat, and with little zeal, I’ve decided I won’t limit myself to the expectations of others. I won’t be content with the flowers handed to me. I’ll grow my own garden. I will exist in multitudes. I will unfold endlessly. I will shine in countless numbers, like stars in the galaxy. I’m not scared, I promise.”

Her candid message has resonated with fans, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional realities of pursuing global success while adjusting to life far from home.