Ayra Starr has secured a major milestone at the 2025 MOBO Awards, winning Best African Music Act, making her the first woman in 16 years to claim the title.
The Nigerian music sensation didn’t stop there—she also took home the Best International Music Act award at the star-studded event in Newcastle.
Ayra triumphed over big names, including Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla, to win the African category. For the international award, she was up against heavyweights like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, and Megan Thee Stallion—and emerged victorious.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated outstanding talent in Black music and culture.
Following her win, the official MOBO page shared on X:
“Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”
A visibly emotional Ayra Starr took the stage for her acceptance speech, expressing her gratitude:
“This is my first MOBO Award—make some noise! I’m actually shaking right now. Thank you to everyone who has supported me—my team, my incredible MOB-STARS, my brothers in music, the producers, my label MAVINS, and my amazing mum. Thank you, MOBOs!”
The MOBO Awards, founded in 1996 by Kanya King, celebrate excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and Afrobeats.
With these wins, Ayra Starr cements her place as one of the most influential voices in African and global music.
