Two-time Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has returned to rehearsals days after announcing that she had undergone major surgery.

The 24-year-old singer shared a video of herself on Friday rehearsing with dancers ahead of her performance on NBC’s TODAY show at Rockefeller Centre in New York City.

A bandage could be seen on her body as she moved through the rehearsal. The video marks one of her first public appearances since she informed fans that her recovery from surgery had become more difficult than expected.

Inviting fans to the performance, Ayra Starr wrote, “NYC, come see me perform on the TODAY show at Rockefeller Centre tomorrow morning! I wanna see all my Mobstarrs front and center.”

She also announced that the first 100 fans to arrive at the corner of 48th Street and Rockefeller Plaza would receive golden tickets for a special prize.

The rehearsal comes shortly after Ayra Starr revealed that she had undergone major surgery.

In a July 30 Instagram Story, the singer apologised to her fans, popularly known as Mobstarrs, for her reduced presence online. She explained that she initially expected to recover quickly, but the process became more complicated.

“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,” she wrote.

The singer said she needed time to rest and assured fans that she would return soon. However, she did not disclose the nature of the surgery.

Despite her recovery, Ayra Starr continued promoting her forthcoming project, Starrgirl. In a separate social media update, she revealed that she had signed copies of her first vinyl records and CD inserts for fans who pre-ordered the project.

The TODAY show rehearsal signals her gradual return to public activities as she prepares to reconnect with fans and continue the promotional campaign.

Ayra Starr has grown into one of the leading Nigerian voices in the global Afrobeats movement since signing with Mavin Records and releasing her self-titled debut extended play in 2021.

She released her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, later that year. The project produced songs including Bloody Samaritan, which helped expand her audience beyond Nigeria.

Her 2022 single, Rush, became one of the biggest songs of her career and earned her first Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 ceremony.

Her second album, The Year I Turned 21, was released in 2024 and strengthened her international profile. According to Mavin Records, the project made her the first Nigerian female artiste to debut on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Ayra Starr received her second Grammy nomination in 2026 for Gimme Dat, her collaboration with Nigerian music star Wizkid. The song competed in the Best African Music Performance category. (The Guardian)

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