Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made history by winning the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, becoming the first woman in 16 years to claim the title.
The star also won the Best International Music Act award at the event held in Newcastle, beating strong competition from Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.
In the Best African Act category, Ayra Starr triumphed over fellow Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla.
Hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, the event celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
The official MOBO X account shared a celebratory post: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”
In her emotional acceptance speech, Ayra Starr expressed 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.”
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards), founded in 1996 by Kanya King, annually celebrate excellence in music of Black origin across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
