Entertainment

Reaction To Tyla’s ‘Water’ Live Performance Sparks Comparison Debate With Ayra Starr [Watch]

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2023

South African music star Tyla has performed her hit song ‘Water’ for the first time on live television with the video generating reactions on social media.

The footage of the South African diva performing the smash song at the BIANCA 2023 program was uploaded on Wednesday by ‘Charts Africa’ on X (previously known as Twitter), with a certain reaction drawing comparisons to Nigerian superstar singer, Ayra Starr.

Fans took to comparing the style of music and dance moves deployed by both singers with others disapproving the comparison.

Tyla, 21, and Ayra Starr, 21, previously worked on the song “Girl Next Door” in May, and Tyla expressed her delight at collaborating with the Afrobeats sensation.

I absolutely loved working with Ayra Starr on our new single, ‘Girl Next Door,’” Tyla said in a press release. “She’s such a talented artist, and I feel like our energies really came together to create something special. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

On Wednesday, Charts Africa posted: “Tyla performing #Water for the first time on live television.”

The comparison, however, strted when @_dhemii said:
“Tyla is who Ayra Starr thinks she is.”

@anthony_fedora replied:

“Ayra Starr is exactly who she thinks she is, g** with that downplaying another person in other to elevate another.

“You can admire Tyla without trying to put an equally beautiful and talented Ayra Starr down.”

@AbiodunRaphiat alao said: “Nigerians and their insecurity attitude, why are you comparing your artist to SAans artists. Always looking for rivalry in everything,
Tyla is not copying your Ayra star
Tyla is a queen on her own 👑 and she’s gonna shine for a very long time.”

@smilenelisa commented:

“Y’all are so weird Ayra Starr is one of the few artists that has always hyped Tyla before she blew up don’t try and pit these two talented ladies against each other, anyway stream Girl next door by Tyla ft Ayra Starr.”

@pinkyswearand1 posted:

“Two bad bees can co-exist and we love them equally . Tyla is who she thinks she is and Ayra Starr is also who she thinks she is and personally I and a whole lot of other people love them like that.”

Tyla is who Ayra Starr thinks she is.
pic.twitter.com/GiywftMrZU
— D3M1👨🏾‍💻🩺 (@_dhemii) October 11, 2023
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@BryanJustin7 posted a video of Tyla and Aura singing together with the caption: “Tyla & Ayra ♨️”

@Ellsx_ said:

“Ayra and tyla are like the same to me lmaoo just different skin tones and accents. African baddies 😮‍💨”

‘Water’ by Tyla

Tyla recently made Billboard Hot 100 history which is her first career entry on the chart as she becomes the youngest South African musician to appear on the list which is the most popular music ranking chart in the US, published weekly.

The viral hit song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, after trending for several weeks on TikTok as Water is the first solo song by a South African musician to appear on the chart since jazz legend Hugh Masekela’s Grazing in the Grass 55 years ago.

Tyla & Ayra ♨️ https://t.co/CROX7q1o4G pic.twitter.com/FAxepYtEPG
— Bryan🤘🏽 (@BryanJustin7) October 11, 2023
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The TikTok dance challenge has also popularised the South African Bacardi dance routine to a global audience.

“Tyla debuts at number 67 on this week’s Hot 100. It is her first career entry on the chart,” US music and entertainment magazine Billboard, which compiles the list, said on Monday, ahead of the release of the week’s list.

Tyla also reacted to the news on X, formerly Twitter.

“I’m a South African girl born and raised in Johannesburg. This is crazy,” she said.

Released in July, Water started gaining popularity in August when Tyla, whose full name is Tyla Laura Seethal, started sharing TikTok videos of herself dancing to it.

The song fuses a mix of genres, including Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and Amapiano, a South African style of electronic dance music.

Water has so far surpassed 3.6 million views on YouTube and attracted 10.7 million monthly Spotify listeners for Tyla.

Water has also ranked on other music charts in the US and UK, including the Billboard Afrobeats and R&B charts.

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Entertainment

Adekunle Gold Unveils Street Named After Him In Lagos

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star, Adekunle Gold has received a remarkable honour with a street in Lagos named after him.
The 38-year-old singer shared the heartwarming moment with fans on Instagram, posting a video that captured the unveiling ceremony.

In the clip, Adekunle Gold was seen alongside his wife, Simi, and their daughter, Deja, as they jointly pulled back a veil to reveal the new signpost bearing his full name , “Adekunle Kosoko Street.”

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, the “Sade” crooner wrote:

“Adekunle Kosoko Street. The city that raised me now carries my name. Thank you, Lord, for my many blessings.”

The honour carries a deep sense of history for Adekunle Gold, who hails from the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island.

His lineage traces back to Oba Kosoko, the former king of Lagos who reigned from 1845 to 1851.

Entertainment

Moment Adekunle Gold Light Up BBNaija S10 Finale With ‘Party No Dey Stop’

Published

3 days ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

Singer Adekunle Gold brought a burst of energy to the Big Brother Naija Season 10 grand finale with a vibrant performance of his hit track ‘Party No Dey Stop.’

The moment he appeared on stage, the crowd erupted in excitement, singing along word for word. Dressed in his signature stylish outfit, the Afrobeats star owned the stage with confidence and charisma, setting the perfect tone for the night.

Fans online were quick to react, with many praising his stage presence and calling his performance the “perfect opener” for the show.

His lively set officially kicked off the finale, creating an electric atmosphere as the finalists and viewers gear up to find out who will take home the grand prize.

Entertainment

JUST IN: Season 10 BBNaija Winner Emerges

Published

3 days ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

It’s official! Imisioluwa Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10. The reality-TV sensation, who has been the talk of the town since the show’s premiere, clinched the grand prize after weeks of intense competition.

The grand finale, which aired today, Sunday, October 5, 2025, was an electrifying show as fans across the country and beyond waited anxiously to see who would take home the title.

Imisi, backed by her passionate fan base known as the Imistars, beat out her closest rivals to claim the top spot in what many are calling one of the most competitive seasons yet.

Throughout the season, Imisi was a consistent headline maker. From her bold personality and strategic gameplay to her emotional vulnerability and ability to stay true to herself, she captivated millions of viewers. Her name trended across social media almost daily, making her one of the most talked-about housemates of the season.

The tenth season, themed “10/10,” lived up to its name, packed with drama, romance, friendship, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments. Fans have described it as one of the most entertaining and unpredictable seasons of the reality show to date.

Imisi’s triumph marks another milestone in the Big Brother Naija legacy, as the show continues to shape pop culture and produce some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainment stars. As the celebration continues, one thing is sure: Imisioluwa Ayanwale’s win is truly 10/10.