Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has opened up about her reservations regarding a bold lyric in her new collaboration with Wizkid, Gimme Dat.
In a candid moment, the singer revealed that she would prefer her mother never hear the second verse of the song, where she makes a provocative reference to a man’s private parts.
The track, which samples Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s 2000 hit 911, sees Ayra stepping into a more daring lyrical space, pushing boundaries with her confident and sensual delivery. “Hopefully my mom never listens to my second verse,” she confessed on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.
In the second verse of Gimme Dat, Ayra Starr addresses the male gaze directly, flipping it into a form of empowerment. She sings, “So many people wan lick my stew, so baby chill make I survey your tools… and if I handle your 2 by 2, you fit to scream, you go lose your cool.”
The verse immediately sparked a mix of reactions among fans and critics alike. While many praised her for her boldness and creativity, others argued that the lyrics were “too raw” and not in line with the more subtle sensuality usually associated with her earlier music.
Ayra Starr’s approach to her music has often balanced youthful innocence with growing maturity, but Gimme Dat marks one of her most unabashedly confident moments yet.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the verse, Ayra implied that while women are often objectified, she chooses to reclaim the narrative. “I know a lot of people watch me for the wrong reasons, but I’m not powerless,” she seemed to suggest through her lyrics.
“Instead, I turn that gaze into my strength.” Her fans, especially younger listeners, have applauded this message of self-possession, seeing it as a refreshing take on navigating fame and female empowerment.
However, the singer’s playful admission about shielding her mother from the song’s spicier content shows she remains grounded in her personal values and family ties.
Even as she continues to break new ground musically, Ayra remains aware of the delicate balance between her public persona and her private world. “There’s a difference between being bold and being reckless,” a fan commented under her post, “and Ayra knows exactly how to walk that line.”
As Gimme Dat continues to climb charts and stir conversations, Ayra Starr’s star power—and her ability to spark dialogue—only seems to grow stronger.
