Ayra Starr has etched her name in history as the first woman in 16 years to win the coveted Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The Nigerian sensation also claimed the Best International Music Act trophy at the event, which took place in Newcastle.
Ayra Starr triumphed over fellow Nigerians Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla, to clinch the prestigious award. She also outshone global superstars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
With this win, Ayra joins the ranks of Nigerian music giants like Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as one of the few Nigerian artists to win the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
Hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, the event celebrated the best in Black music and culture. The official MOBO X account shared the excitement, saying: “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 Nominees:
– 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)
Ayra Starr’s Acceptance Speech:
In her emotional acceptance speech, Ayra expressed her gratitude: “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 Big Winners:
The 2025 MOBO Awards also saw notable wins from Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal. Darkoo claimed the Best Female Act award, with the official MOBO X account celebrating: “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 ceremony honoring excellence in music of Black origin, covering genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the awards have played a vital role in recognizing and celebrating Black artists in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has helped launch the careers of many stars.
With Ayra Starr’s historic achievement, the MOBOs continue to highlight the ever-growing global influence of African music.
