Nigerian music sensation 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 star-studded event, held in Newcastle, also saw her claim the Best International Music Act award, solidifying her status as a global force in music.
Ayra Starr secured the award by surpassing fellow Nigerian nominees Asake, Tems, BNXN & Ruger, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, as well as South African artists Tyla and Uncle Waffles.
She also triumphed over international heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
With this achievement, Ayra Starr joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as one of the few Nigerian artists to win the MOBO Best International Act award.
Ayra Starr’s Reaction
Visibly emotional during her acceptance speech, Ayra Starr expressed gratitude to her supporters and team.
“This is my first MOBO, and I can’t believe I’m holding this right now! I’m actually shaking,” she said.
“Thank you so much to everyone who supported me—my amazing MOB-Stars, my studio partners, my label MAVIN Records, and of course, my mum. Thank you, MOBOs!”
Other Major Winners
Other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards included Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal. Darkoo also claimed the Best Female Act award.
The MOBO Awards, founded in 1996 by Kanya King, celebrate excellence in Black-origin music across genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and Afrobeats.
With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the MOBOs continue to highlight the global impact of African music and its rising dominance on the international stage.
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