By Our Correspondent

National News – A viral social media video by Barbadian superstar Rihanna has sparked renewed online debate between fans of South African singer Tyla and Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr after the 2026 Met Gala in New York.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday at the high-profile fashion event, showed Tyla standing nearby while Rihanna appeared engaged in conversation with another guest, triggering speculation across platforms like X and Instagram about whether the South African star was ignored.

The situation escalated when Rihanna later posted a clip using Ayra Starr’s hit song “Who’s Dat Girl,” which fans interpreted as subtle support for Ayra Starr and possible shade toward Tyla.

The story quickly went viral, raising questions about celebrity interactions, fan rivalry, and social media interpretation of events.

However, both Tyla and Ayra Starr have publicly denied any personal feud, emphasizing mutual respect.

Tyla clarified that her interaction with Rihanna was brief and unproblematic, explaining she chose not to interrupt the superstar during a busy moment.

Ayra Starr also reiterated that she and Tyla maintain friendly relations and dislike being pitted against each other.

Despite clarifications, the incident continues to trend online, highlighting how celebrity culture and social media can amplify misunderstandings into global entertainment narratives.

Analysts note that such stan rivalries often drive engagement but rarely reflect real-life relationships among artists.

They also highlight the growing influence of African music on global pop culture conversations and digital media trends worldwide.