Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act category.

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She also bagged the Best International Music Act award, further proving her growing influence in the global music scene.

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The awards night in Newcastle saw Ayra Starr beat strong competition from Nigerian stars Asake and Tems, along with South African hitmaker Tyla, to claim the Best African Music Act title.

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In the Best International Act category, she triumphed over music giants like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.

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Taking the stage with excitement, Ayra Starr, visibly emotional, thanked her fans, team, and record label. She described the experience as overwhelming, admitting that she was shaking with joy.

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This marked her first-ever appearance at the MOBO Awards, as well as her first set of wins at the event.

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The official MOBO Awards X (Twitter) page celebrated her success, calling her a rising global star and a force pushing African music to the world stage.

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Hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, the event recognized outstanding talents in Black music across various genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and Afrobeats.

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Established in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards continue to be one of the biggest platforms honoring Black-origin music. Ayra Starr’s win marks a major breakthrough for female artists in the African music scene.

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Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African Music at the highest level! 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/cm5wzUPpyh— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 19, 2025

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A special moment for @ayrastarr as she come off stage after winning Best African Music Act #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/73w8kBZsmc— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 18, 2025

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