Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr has made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award. The ceremony, held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena on February 18, 2025, also saw Starr clinch the Best International Act honor, underscoring her rising prominence on the global music stage.
In the Best African Music Act category, Starr outshone a competitive lineup that included fellow Nigerian artists Asake, Tems, Rema, and South African talents Tyla and Uncle Waffles. Her victory in the Best International Act category was equally remarkable, as she surpassed global heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion.
Visibly moved during her acceptance speech, Starr expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This is my first MOBO. I am actually shaking right now. Thank you so much to everybody who supported me—my team, my amazing MOB-STARS, my label MAVINS, my producers, my mother. Thank you, MOBOs.”
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin), established in 1996 by Kanya King, celebrate excellence in Black music across various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and Afrobeats. Starr’s groundbreaking achievement not only highlights her individual talent but also signifies the growing global influence of African music and female artists within the industry.
Other notable winners at the event included British-Nigerian rapper Darkoo, who secured both Best Female Act and Song of the Year for “Favourite Girl” featuring Dess Dior. British rapper Bashy won Best Hip-Hop Act and Album of the Year for “Being Poor Is Expensive,” while Odeal was honored as Best Newcomer and Best R&B/Soul Act.
Ayra Starr’s dual triumph at the 2025 MOBO Awards underscores her status as a formidable force in the music industry and paves the way for greater representation of African female artists on the global stage.
