Nigerian singer Ayra Starr recently faced a wave of criticism following her interaction with the legendary musician King Sunny Ade at an event. A video that went viral on social media showed Starr, a 21-year-old music star, greeting the 77-year-old Ade with a handshake while he was seated, which many perceived as a breach of cultural etiquette. In traditional Yoruba culture, it is customary to show respect to elders by kneeling or prostrating, especially in formal settings.
This incident, captured during the Afrozons Pre-Grammy party, sparked a significant online debate, with many expressing their disappointment over Starr’s approach to greeting King Sunny Ade, a respected figure in the Nigerian music industry. Commentators online contrasted her actions with those of other prominent artists like Wizkid, who was seen prostrating to Ade in a different context, highlighting the expected cultural norms in such interactions.
In response to the backlash, Ayra Starr took to social media to issue an apology, explaining that her actions were not intended to be disrespectful. She attributed the lapse to her nervousness upon entering the event, which, according to her, affected her judgment at that moment. Starr emphasized her respect for the cultural norms and her upbringing as a Yoruba girl, assuring that she returned to greet everyone properly after her initial interaction
