Ayra Starr has become the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The Nigerian singer also secured the Best International Music Act award at the ceremony held in Newcastle.
She claimed the title ahead of fellow Nigerian artists Asake, Tems, and Rema, as well as South Africa’s Tyla and Uncle Waffles. In the Best International Music Act category, she triumphed over global superstars such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion.
With this win, Ayra Starr joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, honored the best in Black music and culture.
A post from the official MOBO account on X celebrated her achievement:
“Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
Winners in the Best African Music Act Category
- WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Asake (Nigeria)
- Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
- King Promise (Ghana)
- Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Shallipopi (Nigeria)
- Tems (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Ayra Starr’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Visibly overwhelmed, Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude while accepting her award.
“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.”
She continued, “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.”
Other Major Winners
Several artists also took home prestigious awards during the ceremony. Darkoo won Best Female Act, while Bashy and Odeal were among other notable winners.
Celebrating Darkoo’s achievement, MOBO Awards shared: “From bangers to big wins! 🔥🏆 @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”
About the MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony celebrating excellence in Black music across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the awards have played a key role in recognizing Black artists globally and have contributed to the rise of many successful careers.
With Ayra Starr’s groundbreaking win, the MOBO Awards continue to highlight the growing influence of African music on the international stage.
