By Calista Oyeoba
Popular Nigerian singer Sarah Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr. Has revealed that she has officially moved out of Nigeria. She shared the news during a recent online live session, confirming that she now lives in New York. In simple local parlance, ‘she has Jappa-ed!’
“Jappa” in Nigerian slang, refers to migrating abroad for better opportunities, stemming from the Yoruba word for “to escape” or “to flee”. In recent times, many youths and professionals have been leaving or ‘jappa-ing’ Nigeria in droves, to seek opportunities abroad, ostensibly due to factors like unemployment, a desire for financial stability or a better quality of life.
Ayra Starr said she has been in New York for less than two months, but the city already feels like home. According to her, she has always felt connected to New York even before the move. “I’ve always been a New Yorker in my spirit,” she said.
She explained that New York reminds her a lot of Lagos because of its fast pace, energy, and lively atmosphere. She also said the large African and Nigerian community in the city has made settling in much easier. “There are many Nigerians here, a big African diaspora, so it feels like home,” she added.