Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has made history as the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, 9am News reports.
The singer also took home the Best International Music Act award, cementing her position as one of Africa’s biggest global stars.
Held in Newcastle and hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, the MOBO Awards celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
Ayra Starr beat out strong competition, including fellow Nigerians Asake, Tems, Rema, Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, BNXN & Ruger, as well as South Africa’s Tyla and Uncle Waffles.
She also triumphed over international stars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto in the Best International Act category.
Her win places her in an exclusive club of Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act, alongside Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022).
A celebratory post from the official MOBO X (formerly Twitter) account read:
“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 Acceptance Speech
An emotional Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude in her acceptance speech:
“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.”
According to 9am News Nigeria, other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards included Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal.
Darkoo secured the Best Female Act award, with the MOBO X account posting:
“From bangers to big wins! 🔥🏆 @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”
MOBO Awards: Celebrating Black Music Excellence
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards), founded in 1996 by Kanya King, recognize excellence in Black music across genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
The awards have played a crucial role in promoting Black artists worldwide, providing a platform that has helped launch and elevate countless careers.
With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the MOBOs once again highlight the global impact of African music and its rising dominance on the international stage.
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