A video shared by global superstar Rihanna following the 2026 Met Gala has sparked renewed online debate among fans of South African artist Tyla and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr.
The conversation began after footage from the Met Gala on Sunday showed Tyla standing nearby while Rihanna appeared engaged in a separate conversation, a moment some social media users interpreted as the pop star overlooking the South African singer.
The discussion escalated further when Rihanna later posted a video featuring Ayra Starr’s track “Who’s Dat Girl” as background music. The choice immediately triggered speculation online, with users suggesting it was a subtle response to the earlier Met Gala interaction.
The post quickly gained traction on X, where fans split into different camps, with some celebrating the use of Ayra Starr’s song while others defended Tyla and criticised attempts to create tension between the artists.
The debate also revived long-running comparisons between Tyla and Ayra Starr, often focused on awards, streaming performance, and global recognition.
However, both artists have repeatedly dismissed any notion of rivalry. Tyla addressed the Met Gala moment on TikTok, explaining that she chose not to approach Rihanna because she felt the moment was not appropriate for an interruption. She also referenced a previous friendly encounter with the global star.
Similarly, Ayra Starr has publicly rejected comparisons between herself and Tyla, describing the South African singer as a colleague and encouraging fans to stop pitting female artists against each other.
Despite their clarifications, the latest online reaction shows how quickly fan interpretations can reignite conversations around perceived celebrity rivalries.
