Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has clinched the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards, surpassing fellow Nigerian stars Asake and Tems, as well as South African hitmaker Tyla.
With this historic win, Ayra Starr becomes the first woman in 16 years to take home the prestigious award. She also secured a second victory, winning Best International Music Act at the ceremony held in Newcastle, UK.
In the Best International Act category, Ayra Starr triumphed over global music heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
During her emotional acceptance speech, a visibly overwhelmed Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude, saying:
"Okay, 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 actually nervous."
She went on to thank her supporters, team, and family:
“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.
My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVIN Records, Embryo, my mummy…
Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs!"
With these wins, Ayra Starr solidifies her status as one of Africa’s biggest rising stars, continuing her meteoric rise on the global stage.
Ayra Starr becomes the first female in 16 years to win the “Best African Act” at the #MOBOAwards
— Oxygist (@oxygist) February 19, 2025
(Rihanna Naira Marley Davido Portable ASUU) pic.twitter.com/7m3Qlx7Ga8
