Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The talented singer also took home the Best International Music Act award at the prestigious event, which was held in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Ayra Starr beat a strong lineup of African artists, including fellow Nigerians Asake, Tems, Bnxn & Ruger, Rema, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck, as well as Ghana’s King Promise and South Africa’s Uncle Waffles and Tyla. In the Best International Act category, she triumphed over global stars such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
A Moment of Pride for Nigerian Music
Ayra Starr’s victory cements her place among the biggest Nigerian stars to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act, joining the ranks of Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022).
Reacting to her victory, the official MOBO Awards X (formerly Twitter) 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! 🔥🏆”
An Emotional Acceptance Speech
During her acceptance speech, Ayra Starr, visibly emotional and overwhelmed with joy, expressed her gratitude to her fans and team.
“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,” she said.
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She went on to thank everyone who had supported her journey in the music industry.
“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.”
Other Big Winners of the Night
The night also saw other stars take home major awards. British rapper Darkoo won the Best Female Act, while Bashy and Odeal were also recognized for their contributions to Black music.
The MOBO Awards X account celebrated Darkoo’s win, posting:
“From bangers to big wins! 🔥🏆 @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”
MOBO Awards: Celebrating Black Music
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony that honors excellence in Black music across various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBOs have played a key role in promoting Black artists in the UK and beyond. Over the years, the awards have helped shape the careers of many global music icons.
With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the influence of African music on the global stage continues to grow. Her victory is a testament to the talent and creativity emerging from Africa, solidifying her status as one of the continent’s biggest musical exports.