Nigerian music star Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, widely recognized as Ayra Starr, has been awarded the prestigious title of Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards.
At just 22, Ayra Starr outshone formidable competitors, including South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif, to clinch this celebrated accolade.
The awards ceremony took place on Monday evening at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honoring Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture. Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the event, injecting his signature wit and commentary, even making light of notable pop culture figures, including Kanye West.
Since her first nomination in 2022, Ayra Starr has firmly established herself in the music industry, receiving accolades such as Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), and the BET Her Award in 2024 for her song “Commas.” She also received three additional nominations in 2025.
Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s most awarded artist, taking home four significant honors: Album of the Year for “GNX,” Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Luther.”
Here is the full list of winners from the 2025 BET Awards:
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
Best Actor – Denzel Washington
Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese
Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts
BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” – Chris Brown
