Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr has etched her name in the annals of music history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The 22-year-old singer also clinched the Best International Music Act award, solidifying her status as a global force in the music industry.
The prestigious awards ceremony, held in Newcastle and hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture. Ayra Starr triumphed over a formidable lineup of nominees, including fellow Nigerians Asake and Tems, South Africa’s Tyla, and international heavyweights like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude, saying, “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous. Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS. My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Ayra Starr’s victory places her among an elite group of Nigerian artists who have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act, including Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022). Her win underscores the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
The official MOBO X account celebrated her achievement with a post that read: “Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
Other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards included Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal. Darkoo, in particular, secured the Best Female Act award, with the MOBO X account praising her victory: “From bangers to big wins! 🔥🏆 @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) have been a cornerstone in celebrating Black music and culture across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Ayra Starr’s historic win is a testament to the awards’ enduring mission to recognize and elevate Black artists worldwide.
