Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Sends Ayra Starr a Gift, Mzansi Thinks About Tyla

• Rihanna's Fenty Beauty sent Nigerian singer Ayra Starr a congratulatory gift package to mark the release of her third studio album, Starrgirl
• The lavish purple-themed PR package included Fenty Beauty products, custom silk sleep masks, and a floral arrangement matching Ayra Starr's signature aesthetic
• South African fans quickly drew comparisons between Rihanna's gesture towards Ayra Starr and her treatment of Grammy-winning South African star Tyla

Rihanna's cosmetics empire, Fenty Beauty, has sent Nigerian singer Ayra Starr a stunning gift package to celebrate the release of her third studio album, Starrgirl, and South Africa's corner of the internet immediately had feelings about it, with Tyla's name trending not long after.

The gift was shared by pop culture account AlbumTalksHQ on X on 14 August 2026, with the caption:

"Rihanna's FENTY BEAUTY sends Ayra Starr a congratulatory package for 'Starrgirl'."

What was inside the Fenty package?

The image was shared by the X account AlbumTalksHQ, showing a luxurious arrangement centred around Ayra Starr's signature purple colour palette. Deep magenta and purple blooms made up the floral display, while the accompanying Fenty Beauty and Skin products were dressed up with custom purple silk sleep masks, themed notes, and decorative props that nodded to the Starrgirl album era. It was, by any measure, a carefully curated tribute.

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The package also signals an ongoing relationship between Rihanna and the Afrobeats star, with the two having crossed paths at Fenty events and through online interactions since at least 2023.

Check out the X post below:

Mzansi brings Tyla into the conversation

Nigerian fans were overjoyed, but South African social media users were quick to steer the conversation towards their own Grammy-winning star. The gesture reignited the long-running debate about Rihanna's visible warmth towards Ayra Starr compared to her seemingly cooler dynamic with Tyla.

MelvPlatnum said:

"Lol that Tyla snub from Rihanna is even louder by doing this, and I also like Tyla though."

APOPKING had a detailed take:

"Beyoncé sent Tyla flowers in 2024, and it didn't feel forced. Rihanna is sending Ayra flowers in 2026, despite knowing her since 2023 because Tyla got her pressed. So I have to ask: why didn't Rihanna send Ayra flowers in 2024 during the year I turned 21? Tyla is that girl for real."

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Kredo_szn came through for Ayra Starr, writing:

"The real popstar artist, not that amapiano pop artist hiding under afrobeat awards"

Ifeanyi1607 kept it simple:

"Talent recognises talent. 💜😭"

takuhunii was less impressed with the fanfare:

"Y'all acting like it's an achievement getting recognised by Rihanna. 😂😂😂 Well, congratulations."

PhilipYoun73032 pointed out what was missing:

"Nothing from Beyonce."

Joymkhize_ stirred the pot further, quoting the post with:

"What's your take on this? 😂"

3 Other Briefly News stories about Tyla

• Tyla denied responsibility for the controversial Rihanna-related repost and insisted the circulating narrative did not reflect who she is.
• Tyla is set to be honoured at the 32nd South African Music Awards on 15 August 2026 at Sun City Superbowl.
• Two-time Grammy Award winner Tyla revealed she is back home in South Africa for a break with family and friends.

Source: Briefly News