Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The prestigious event, held in Newcastle, United Kingdom, also saw the singer clinch the Best International Music Act award.
Ayra Starr emerged victorious in the Best African Music Act category, beating fellow Nigerian stars Asake, Tems, Bnxn & Ruger, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, as well as Ghana’s King Promise and South African artists Tyla and Uncle Waffles. In the Best International Music Act category, she triumphed over global superstars Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
With this feat, Ayra Starr joins the ranks of Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
An emotional Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech, saying, “This is my first MOBO. I’m actually shaking right now. Thank you to everyone who has supported me—my team, my amazing MOB-Stars, my studio partners in crime, my label Mavin Records, and, of course, my mum.”
Other notable winners at the event included Darkoo, who won Best Female Act, and Bashy and Odeal, who also took home awards.
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) celebrate Black music excellence across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. With Ayra Starr’s landmark achievement, the MOBOs continue to highlight the growing global influence of African music.
