By Seyi Babalola
Ayra Starr became the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The Nigerian artist won Best International Music Act at the Newcastle event.
Ayra Starr won the prize, defeating fellow Nigerians Asake and Tems, as well as Tyla from South Africa.
She also defeated talents such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
Ayra Starr (2025) joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian musicians to have received the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
A post on the official MOBO X account read: “Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony that honours excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
