Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr continues to shine on the global stage. At the 2025 MOBO Awards held in Newcastle, United Kingdom, she made history by becoming the first African female artist to win the prestigious Best International Act award.
In addition to this groundbreaking achievement, Ayra Starr also took home the Best African Act award, making her one of the standout winners of the night. With this victory, she joins the ranks of Nigerian music giants like Wizkid and Burna Boy, both of whom have previously claimed the coveted British award.
Ayra Starr triumphed over fierce competition, including American superstars Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, fresh off their successes at the 67th Grammys. Other notable nominees in the Best International Act category included Nigerian stars Asake and Tems.
The singer’s triumphs didn’t stop there. She also bagged the Best African Act award, defeating a list of remarkable talents from across the continent, such as Tyla, Tems, Shallipopi, OdumoduBlvck, and Rema.
Full Winners List:
- Best Male Act: Central Cee
- Best Female Act: Darkoo
- Best Newcomer: Odeal
- Album of the Year: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive
- Song of the Year: Darkoo – Favourite Girl (ft. Dess Dior)
- Video of the Year: Mnelia – My Man (directed by Femi Bello)
- Best Hip-Hop Act: Bashy
- Best Grime Act: Scorcher
- Best Drill Act: Pozer
- Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal
- Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show
- Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr
- Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With the Vampire
- Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: Tsha
- Best Gospel Act: Annatoria
- Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective
- Best Producer: Juls
- Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea
- Best Alternative Music Act: Alt Blk Era
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
- MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis
- MOBO Impact Award: Vybz Kartel
Story by Obaapa Janee
