Ayra Starr a Nigerian singer, has become the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The singer also took home the Best International Music Act award at the ceremony in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Ayra Starr claimed the award, beating Asake, Tems, and South Africa’s Tyla.
She also triumphed over global stars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
Ayra Starr (2025) joins a select group of Nigerian artists, including Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022), who have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated achievements in Black music and culture.
A post on the official MOBO X account on Wednesday read: “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
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)
In her acceptance speech, the singer, overcome with emotion, stated, “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) is an annual British music ceremony honouring excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards have played a key role in recognising Black artists in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has launched and elevated many careers.
Ayra Starr’s historic win further emphasises the MOBOs’ role in highlighting the increasing global influence of African music.
