British-Nigerian singer Darkoo has recently opened up about the challenges and rewards of making friends in the music industry. In a candid interview on the Uncut Podcast, the “Gangsta” hitmaker shared insights into her relationships within the industry, particularly highlighting her deep bond with fellow Nigerian artist Ayra Starr.
Beyond Industry Friendships
During her interview, Darkoo was asked about her approach to friendships within the music industry. Known for her distinct sound and unique style, Darkoo admitted that while she’s friendly with many people in the industry, she doesn’t actively seek out friendships among her peers. However, she emphasized that Ayra Starr is an exception to this rule.
“I have some friends in the industry, I don’t think I’m looking for friends in the industry, just friends in general,” Darkoo revealed. “I feel like I was able to find that in Ayra Starr, I don’t even see her as an industry friend; I see her as my sister.”
A Sisterly Bond
Darkoo’s admiration for Ayra Starr goes beyond mere words. Their bond is rooted in shared values, respect, and mutual growth. Darkoo explained that one of the reasons their friendship works so well is because they are so alike. However, it’s Ayra Starr’s character and outlook on life that truly stand out to Darkoo.
“We’re very alike, but what I really love about her is that she’s so respectful,” Darkoo said. “You can just tell that she is a proper Naija girl, by the way she looks at life. She also teaches me a lot of stuff; we teach each other stuff and I love that type of relationship.”
Navigating Friendships in the Industry
While Darkoo’s bond with Ayra Starr is undeniably special, she also touched on the broader dynamics of forming connections within the music world. The singer acknowledged that while she is a friendly person and can easily build connections, she is cautious about how close she gets to others in the industry.
“In terms of going out and seeing people, I won’t say that they’re my ‘friends’ and we talk all the time,” Darkoo explained. “I’m a very friendly person, so it’s easy to make those friendships but it doesn’t go further than just seeing each other and DMing each other.”
Darkoo further elaborated on why she keeps some distance, citing a common Nigerian saying, “see finish is a real thing,” which refers to the idea that too much familiarity can lead to a lack of respect. “When you get too close and too comfortable with people, they start to disrespect you,” she noted.
Darkoo’s reflections on her friendship with Ayra Starr offer a rare glimpse into the complexities of navigating relationships within the music industry. While maintaining a balance between professional and personal connections is challenging, it’s clear that Darkoo has found something truly special in her bond with Ayra Starr—a friendship that transcends the industry and feels more like family.
As both artists continue to rise in their careers, it will be interesting to see how their sisterly relationship influences their music and their personal growth. For fans of both artists, it’s a heartwarming reminder that even in a competitive industry, genuine connections can flourish.
