Although there was no confirmation that Rihanna intended the song choice as a message directed at Tyla, social media users quickly interpreted it through the lens of the ongoing Ayra Starr-Tyla debate
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The ongoing fan debate over Ayra Starr and Tyla has taken another interesting turn, with Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty appearing to throw its support behind the Nigerian singer.
On Friday, August 14, the same day Ayra Starr released her highly anticipated third studio album, Starrgirl, Rihanna’s beauty brand, Fenty Beauty, sent the Afrobeats star a congratulatory package and flowers to mark the occasion.
While the gesture may appear to be a simple celebration from one celebrity brand to another, fans of Ayra Starr and Tyla have quickly given it a much bigger meaning.
For years, supporters of the two African music stars have debated who has the stronger international profile, bigger catalogue, greater influence and wider global recognition. Rihanna’s connection to the conversation has also become a major talking point.
Ayra Starr has previously interacted publicly with Rihanna, including at a Fenty event, and has also spent time with the singer during Barbados’ Crop Over celebrations. The Nigerian star has repeatedly acknowledged Rihanna’s influence on her music and artistic journey.
The discussion intensified following the 2026 Met Gala, when Rihanna shared a recap video featuring Ayra Starr and Rema’s song, Who’s Dat Girl. The post came after a widely discussed moment involving Rihanna and Tyla at the event.
Although there was no confirmation that Rihanna intended the song choice as a message directed at Tyla, social media users quickly interpreted it through the lens of the ongoing Ayra Starr-Tyla debate.
Now, with Fenty Beauty celebrating Ayra Starr’s new album, the conversation has resurfaced.
Tyla released her APOP project on July 24, several weeks before Starrgirl. The project features the song THAT GIRL, which has inevitably been compared by fans with Ayra Starr’s Who’s Dat Girl. Supporters of both artists have also pointed to other similarities they believe exist between the two singers.
None of those comparisons, however, establish that either artist copied the other. Much of the debate remains driven by fan interpretations and social media speculation.
With Starrgirl now available, Ayra Starr has shifted the focus back to her music. The 16-track album features international names including Zayn Malik, Wizkid, Rema, Leon Thomas, Theodora, kwn and Danny Ocean.
The project gives the Nigerian singer another opportunity to strengthen her position on the global stage and demonstrate that her growing international profile extends beyond comparisons with other artists.
For Tyla’s supporters, APOP remains evidence of the South African singer’s expanding global influence. For Ayra Starr’s fans, Starrgirl represents another opportunity for their favourite to prove herself through music, streaming numbers, chart performance and international recognition.
And now Rihanna’s latest gesture has added another layer to an already heated conversation.
Some fans see the Fenty Beauty package as another major Rihanna cosign for Ayra Starr. Others argue that fans are simply turning an ordinary congratulatory gesture into another chapter of the Tyla-Ayra rivalry.
Interestingly, neither Ayra Starr nor Tyla has publicly declared any rivalry with the other.
Their fanbases, however, appear more than willing to keep the competition alive.
With both artists continuing to expand their international careers, the real battle may ultimately be decided by music rather than social media arguments — through streams, charts, major collaborations, hit records and sustained global impact.
But for now, one question is dominating the conversation:
Who’s Rihanna’s girl?
After Fenty Beauty’s latest show of support, Ayra Starr’s fans certainly believe they have an answer.