Ayra Starr has explained why she has been absent from social media in recent days, revealing that she is recovering from major surgery.

The Nigerian singer shared the update on her Instagram Stories, where she apologised to fans for her silence and admitted that the experience had been tougher than she expected. According to the Mavin Records star, the operation took place only a few days ago, and recovery has required more time than she initially anticipated.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

“Hey Mobstarrs, I’m sorry you’re not seeing as much of me as I would like, I had major surgery a few days ago. I was hoping it would be a quick recovery, but it was more complicated than they expected. I just need a bit of rest and I’ll be back!!!” she wrote, assuring fans that she is okay and simply needs time to rest before returning to work.

Her message quickly drew attention with fans flooding social media with prayers and well wishes. Many thanked the singer for sharing the update herself and encouraged her to focus on getting better before resuming her busy schedule.

Ayra did not disclose the reason for the surgery or the medical condition that led to it, and no further information has been released by her management. As such, claims circulating online about the procedure remain unconfirmed and should be treated as speculation.

Photo: Instagram/@ayrastarr

The announcement comes during a busy period for the singer, who is set to make her acting debut in the upcoming film adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone.”

She thanked fans for their patience and support, promising that she will return once she has fully regained her strength.

For now, no timeline has been given for her comeback. Her latest update does confirm that she is recovering well, taking the advice to rest seriously, and looking forward to returning when she is ready.

Mercy Eke appears on the cover of Escape Magazine’s Issue #15 in three different fashion looks. Titled The Business of Being Seen, the editorial presents a different side of her style with each outfit.

Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Her first look featured the black “Zina Feather Dress” by Elegant by Rachy. The two-piece was adorned with tiered black feathers and lace inserts along the sleeves, creating textured volume. Her hair was styled by Hairscobar into a low bun with soft tendrils. She accessorized the outfit with a black wide-brim boater hat lined with matching feathers and dangling bead fringe, paired with statement silver earrings.

Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Her second look was an earth-toned mermaid gown created by Victoria Style and styled by McNwatu. The dress was designed with a sharp, button-detailed beige high-collar crop jacket with large puff sleeves over a fitted corset bodice, which tapers down into a dramatically tiered, full floor-sweeping satin skirt. Her hair was styled into vintage-inspired side-parted finger waves by Hairscobar, while her makeup by v.e.l.o.u.r.a was in neutral tones. For accessories she wore minimal gold jewelry, closing out the look with footwear from premium shoe label DOT.

Photo: Josh Baram/Blackboy Photography

Her final look was a custom crimson-red Wandé Piece expertly made by Wandé of the brand Wandé official. The floor-length gown had a deep plunge peplum cut designed with delicate pearl work, sharp-angled shoulder arcs, and a straight-cut column ankle skirt trimmed with descending vertical crystal lines. Stylist Dan Stefan paired the outfit with an architectural, oversized red tilted disk fascinator from YUNIK and chunky silver bracelets. Her hair was styled into a low bun by Ope Oyebanji of Hairscobar to support the bold headpiece, and her makeup by v.e.l.o.u.r.a was done in nude shades. Mercy wore peep-toe pumps to complete the outfit.

The shoot was handled by Josh Baram and Blackboy Photography.

Since her time on Big Brother Naija, where she became the first woman to win the show, Mercy Eke has continued to build her name across business and entertainment, and shoots like this one remind fans why she remains a fashion favourite. Between the feathers, the corset, and the beaded red gown, this shoot didn’t just show three outfits. It showed three different sides of a woman who clearly knows how to work a camera.

Tems has become the first female Africaartist to be credited on an RIAA Diamond-certified single. The achievement came through Future’s hit song “WAIT FOR U,” featuring Drake and Tems.

The RIAA confirmed the certification as part of its latest list of award updates. Released in April 2022, Future single became a hit. The track includes Tems’ 2020 song “Higher,” The song gave Future his first chart-topping single as a lead artist.

The Diamond certification is one of the RIAA’s highest recognitions. It is awarded only after a song reaches at least 10 million certified units in the United States.

Photo: Instagram

Tems’ gained wider recognition with her 2019 single “Try Me” before achieving global success through Wizkid’s “Essence.” She has since collaborated with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Brent Faiyaz.

Read Also: Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative

Her success is not just tied to streaming numbers alone. She won several international awards. She has a Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category and also four BET Awards. Her talent has earned her praise from different artists including Rihanna.

Photo: Instagram

While several African musicians have received multi Platinum certifications in the United States, Diamond status remains rare. Tems becoming the first African woman to earn the certification.

The RIAA Diamond certification shows how African artists continue to break barriers. As Tem’s international profile grows, this latest milestone will inspire more female artists to aim for global success.