Nigerian songstress, Ayra Starr has apologized to veteran singer, King Sunny Ade for disrespecting him at Pre-Grammy party.
Ayra Starr performed at the Afrozons Pre-Grammy party organised by Heineken on Friday night.
Sunny Ade was also present to receive an award of legacy at the event which was presented by Bose Ogulu, Burna Boy’s mother.
A viral video online showed Ayra Starr appearing to ignore Ogulu and greeting someone else beside her.
She also moved to Sunny Ade’s seat and extended a handshake to him and others seated nearby.
The incident sparked criticism on social media, with many labelling her actions as “uncultured” and “disrespectful”.
“Ayra Starr, you are nothing to me until you properly apologise. Very proud uncultured girl that lacks a sense of decency in appearance,” a user wrote.
“Even if she does not recognize Sunny Ade ( it is not possible sha ), extending a handshake to such an elderly person is quite disrespectful. Ayra Starr Oyinkansola, you mess up,” another user wrote.
In response to the backlash, Ayra Starr took to social media to tender an apology for her actions.
The singer explained that she was overwhelmed by nerves when she arrived at the event.
She clarified that she had greeted Burna Boy’s mother before the video was recorded.
She also apologised to Sunny Ade whom she referred to as “legend and uncle”.
“I am so sorry, I had just walked in and all the lights and nerves did not let me see. But I came back around to greet everyone properly,” she wrote.
“I have never been that girl to be disrespectful, I am a proper Yoruba girl and the video did not start until after I had greeted Burna’s mom!
“I am very sorry to the legend, uncle and King Sunny Ade.”
