Is Ayra Starr’s new song the gay anthem we didn’t know we needed?

Nigerian music sensation Arya Starr together with British singer/rapper Darkoo has released a powerful new song with an important message.

By NoStringsNG writer

For all the right reasons, the lyrically positive and enthralling slow-burn afro-beat new track ‘Disturbing U’ seems to be gaining popularity among listeners, particularly in the LGBTQ community, who can relate to the song’s overall message.

Arya Starr has gained widespread acclaim since her breakout hit “Away”, with successive hits like “Bloody Samaritan”, “Rush”, and “Sability”, and her debut album “19 and Dangerous” has cemented her status as a leading figure in afro-beats music. The self-proclaimed “Sabigirl” has won audiences over with her positive lyrics and unique sound, earning her numerous recognitions both locally and globally.

In her latest collaboration, Arya Starr has teamed up with UK-based Nigerian artist Darkoo to create a refined and mellow afro-beats sound, departing from the traditional dance music in Nigeria. Produced by Grammy award winner Dera, the result is a song that speaks to the challenges faced by young, creative, and thriving individuals, which can be likened to the situation for LGBTIQ+ people in Nigeria.

The LGBTQ community has long been subject to speculation, legislation, bullying, and intrusion by a mainstream homophobic society. The song’s chorus asks the poignant question, “Why is my happiness disturbing you?”, which could as well, relatably capture the desire for queer people to live their lives without interference or intrusion.

This unnecessary obsession with the LGBTIQ+ community is hinged on a deep-seated curiosity towards queer lives that sometimes easily metamorphose into dangerous insecurity, breeding malicious intention to cause harm to the LGBTQ community.

Arya Starr’s new song seems to perfectly speak directly to address most of these issues. For example, the chorus of the track is packed with a powerful yet simple and clear message of live and let’s live.

Why is my happiness disturbing you? The singer echoes in the chorus.

This is paramount to the gay community in that LGBT people just want to be left alone and not have their joy and private lives questioned much less interrogated.

Delving further into the lyrics of the song, in the first verse The “Begi Begi” singer opens:

Even if na wheel barrow carry me come

I go still raise my shoulder

I don’t have time I’m just involved

And I know what I offer

All my friends say I’m loyal

If no be money na focus

I don’t have time for no one

That’s not putting food on my table

I’m unstable, I no send, I no send you

I no fear, I no fear you

I no pretend, no strength

No strength, I no got fit lie

This is the reason I just keep things to myself

I mind my business, I don’t mind

Nobody else’s

I stack my cash in silence, no one has to know

I’m on my own”

No doubt, it’s possible to agree that the lyrics of the song address important themes such as self-confidence, self-worth, loyalty, self-care, authenticity, and bravery in the face of adversity. Queer people can relate to these themes, as they constantly struggle to push back against all forms of oppression.

Overall, “Disturbing U” is a well-thought-out and a refreshingly positive addition to the Nigerian music scene, standing out from the lyrically bland afro-beats songs that have dominated in recent times.

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