Rising Afrobeats star Ayra Starr on July 29, 2025, refuted rumours that her contract with Roc Nation prohibits her from having a romantic relationship, addressing the speculation during an interview on Beat FM.
The 22-year-old singer, whose real name is Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, clarified that no such clause exists, dismissing the claim as “baseless gossip” fueled by fans and online tabloids following her global rise since signing with the American label in 2021. The rumor emerged after her hit single “Rush” topped charts in 2023, with some suggesting her management imposed strict personal restrictions to maintain her image.
Ayra Starr emphasized her autonomy, stating, “My music and personal life are separate; Roc Nation supports my growth as an artist, not my dating choices.” Her management declined to comment, but industry insiders from Pulse Nigeria note that such clauses are rare in modern contracts, typically reserved for minors or specific branding deals.
The singer’s denial aligns with her public persona, balancing career success, her 2025 album “The Year I Turned 21” has 50 million streams, with personal freedom. The narrative of debunking myths reinforces her agency, though the rumor’s persistence highlights the scrutiny faced by young female artists in the global music industry.