Ayra Starr has made history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The Nigerian superstar also claimed the Best International Music Act award at the prestigious ceremony, which took place in Newcastle.
Ayra Starr secured the award after beating fellow Nigerians Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla. She also triumphed over international heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
With this win, Ayra Starr joins the ranks of Nigerian music icons Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as one of the few Nigerian artists to have ever won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
The official MOBO X account celebrated Ayra Starr’s achievement, writing: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”
Best African Music Act
- Asake (Nigeria)
- WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
- King Promise (Ghana)
- Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Tems (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
In her emotional acceptance speech, Ayra Starr shared: “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 nervous. Thank you so much to everyone who supported me, to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS. My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio, my label, MAVINS Records, Embryo, and my mum… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Other big winners
Other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards included Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal. Darkoo took home the Best Female Act award.
A celebratory post from the MOBO X account read: “From bangers to big wins! @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory!”
About the MOBO awards
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony that recognizes excellence in music of Black origin, across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the awards have been a pivotal platform in celebrating and elevating Black artists both in the UK and globally, playing a crucial role in shaping the careers of many influential artists.
Ayra Starr’s groundbreaking win further highlights the growing influence of African music on the world stage, solidifying her as one of the leading stars in global music.
