Ayra Starr has etched her name in history as the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The Nigerian sensation also claimed the coveted Best International Music Act title during the ceremony held in Newcastle.
Ayra Starr triumphed over fellow Nigerians Asake and Tems, South Africa’s Tyla, and global icons such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto in the Best International Music Act category.
This landmark win places Ayra Starr alongside Nigerian stars Wizkid and Burna Boy as the only Nigerians to have secured the MOBO Award for Best International Music Act. Wizkid won in 2017 and 2021, while Burna Boy claimed the title in 2020 and 2022.
The annual event, hosted this year by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrates the best of Black music and culture.
In a post shared on the official MOBO X account, Ayra Starr was hailed as a “global star” and “unstoppable force,” with the caption:
“Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
Ayra Starr’s Emotional Speech
During her acceptance speech, a visibly emotional Ayra Starr expressed gratitude to her supporters and team, 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.
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—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Other Winners of the Night
The 2025 MOBO Awards saw other standout winners, including Darkoo, who secured the Best Female Act award, and Bashy and Odeal, who were also recognized.
Celebrating Darkoo’s win, the MOBO X account posted:
“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), founded in 1996 by Kanya King, honor excellence in Black music across various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
The awards have played a pivotal role in recognizing and amplifying Black talent in the UK and beyond, shaping the careers of numerous artists globally.
Ayra Starr’s historic win underscores the rising global influence of African music and its continued celebration at the MOBOs.
