Cardi B Defends Ayra Starr After TMZ’s Awkward Question – What Really Happened

Global rap superstar Cardi B has once again shown her down-to-earth and protective side—this time, stepping in to support Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr. The incident unfolded shortly after the 2025 Met Gala, sparking conversations on social media about respect, fame, and the growing bond between international music stars.

The Incident: TMZ’s Question to Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr, often called the “Celestial Being,” has been rising rapidly in the Afrobeats scene with global hits and millions of streams. While leaving a Met Gala after-party in New York, TMZ approached Ayra Starr with a controversial question.

The reporter asked if Cardi B forgetting the name of her designer during a red carpet interview was “disrespectful” to the fashion world. Clearly caught off guard, Ayra responded with grace and composure:

“It’s nerves sometimes… I feel like nerves would definitely make you forget. Love to Cardi B though, always so I don’t know.”

Ayra Starr’s diplomatic answer avoided fueling any unnecessary drama and showcased her professionalism in handling paparazzi-style questions.

Cardi B’s Response: Standing Up for Ayra Starr

Not long after, Cardi B took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the incident. The rapper called out TMZ for trying to create conflict where there was none, writing:

“Ahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa try to be messy and mission failed… also why put a superstar like Ayra in such a weird and uncomfortable position?”

This tweet immediately went viral, earning praise from both Cardi B’s fanbase and Afrobeats lovers worldwide. Many commended Cardi for protecting Ayra Starr and recognizing her as a “superstar,” cementing the rising Nigerian artist’s global appeal.

Did Cardi B Praise Ayra Starr’s Music?

Despite the supportive tweet, it’s important to clarify that Cardi B did not directly comment on Ayra Starr’s music or Afrobeats as a genre. The interaction was more about defending Ayra from an uncomfortable situation rather than a musical collaboration or endorsement.

Still, this show of respect has opened the door to speculation among fans who are hopeful for a future Cardi B × Ayra Starr collaboration in the booming Afrobeats scene.

Ayra Starr’s Rising Global Impact

• 🎶 Most-streamed female Nigerian artist on Spotify in 2024
• 🌍 Chart-topping presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and across Africa
• 📈 Ranked 3rd most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube Music (Q1 2025)
• 🔥 Hit songs like “Commas” and collaborations with international acts

Her Met Gala appearance alone is proof of how far Afrobeats has spread globally, bringing African music into fashion and pop culture at the highest level.

Social Media Reactions

Fans flooded social media with excitement:

• “Cardi calling Ayra a superstar? We won!”
• “This is the kind of women-supporting-women energy we love to see.”
• “Collab when? Afrobeats is ready for Cardi B and Ayra Starr.”

Conclusion

While Cardi B hasn’t directly praised Ayra Starr’s music or made statements about Afrobeats, her recent defense of Ayra Starr against TMZ’s provocative questioning shows mutual respect between the two stars.

As Ayra Starr continues her meteoric rise, moments like this signal a future where Afrobeats and global hip-hop might soon collide on the same track. Fans are keeping their fingers crossed for that moment—and judging by Cardi B’s words, it might just be possible.

#CardiB #AyraStarr #Afrobeats #MetGala2025 #MusicNews

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