By Jesusemen Oratokhai
Nigerian Singer, Oluwajuwonlo Iledare, popularly known as Jaywon, has publicly apologized to fellow artist Ayra Starr following accusations that he mocked her absence from the 2025 Grammy nominations.
Jaywon faced backlash on social media after posting a message that fans interpreted as a subtle jab at Ayra Starr, who was notably missing from the list of nominees for the 67th Grammy Awards.
In response to the criticism, Jaywon took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his intentions and apologize.
In his heartfelt message, he expressed admiration for Ayra Starr’s talent, stating, “If you see Ayra Starr, tell her I’m sorry she wasn’t nominated for this year’s Grammys. I’m a huge fan of her music, and I believe she’s one of the best female vocalists Africa has.”
The controversy arose soon after the Grammy announcements, when Jaywon, amid an ongoing online feud with Ayra Starr, posted a photo holding two Grammy awards. Fans widely saw this as a dig at Starr, sparking intense debate online.
In his apology, Jaywon emphasized that he intended to celebrate rather than undermine her achievements. “On this side, we don’t pull people down. We elevate, not just for today, but for the future,” he added, commending Ayra Starr’s vocal talent and calling her one of Africa’s most gifted female artists.
This public apology marks a positive step toward mending their differences and highlights the importance of unity in supporting African talent on the global stage.
