Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has revealed that she is recovering from surgery related to endometriosis, weeks after initially telling fans that she had undergone a major operation.
The 24-year-old Afrobeats star shared the update on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, giving fans a glimpse of the area around her abdomen where she underwent the procedure.
In a light-hearted message accompanying the update, Ayra said she was beginning to see signs of physical recovery while also celebrating the performance of her music.
“I’m starting to get my abs back, endometriosis healing and my albums are also selling.”
The singer’s update offered her followers a clearer picture of the health challenge that had forced her to slow down in recent weeks.
Ayra first disclosed that she had undergone major surgery on July 30, 2026. At the time, the singer did not reveal the condition that had led to the procedure. Instead, she explained that the operation had been more complicated than expected and that she needed time away from her usual activities to recover.
She told fans that she had hoped for a quick recovery but needed to rest after doctors determined that the procedure was more complicated than anticipated.
The announcement came as Ayra was promoting her third studio album, Starrgirl, making the timing particularly challenging for the singer.
Her subsequent disclosure has now confirmed that the surgery was connected to endometriosis, a chronic condition that can cause significant pelvic pain and other symptoms.
While recovering, Ayra has also spoken about the difficulty of balancing her health with her demanding schedule as one of Africa’s leading young music stars.
In an August interview with The FADER, the singer revealed that she was on bed rest while healing from endometriosis surgery. She explained that physical activity could worsen her condition and leave her experiencing significant pain.
“Every time I partied or moved too much, I’d be back to square one in a lot of pain,” she said.
Ayra added that she had to prioritise her physical health and reduce her activities while recovering.
“I just have to dial it back and take care of myself physically first.”
Her comments provided an insight into the physical demands she was dealing with while simultaneously working on the rollout of Starrgirl. Despite the health setback, Ayra continued with important promotional activities surrounding the album.
Ayra’s disclosure comes after she used the rollout of Starrgirl to draw attention to endometriosis.
On August 14, 2026, the singer partnered with the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) for a special awareness activation in New York.
The Empire State Building was illuminated in purple to celebrate the release of Starrgirl in partnership with EndoFound. Ayra attended a special lighting ceremony and personally flipped the switch. EndoFound later thanked Ayra for using a major moment in her career to bring visibility to the endometriosis community.
The organisation described the purple lighting as part of an effort to raise awareness of the condition and recognise women living with endometriosis. The partnership has given another dimension to Ayra’s decision to speak publicly about her own experience, particularly as she continues to recover from surgery.
The singer released Starrgirl, her third studio album, on August 14. The 16-track project features collaborations with artists including Wizkid, Zayn Malik, Rema, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.
The album combines Afrobeats with R&B, pop and dance influences while exploring themes around womanhood and personal growth.
