Ayra Starr has made history as the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The Nigerian superstar also claimed the Best International Music Act honour during the ceremony in Newcastle.
Ayra Starr triumphed over fellow Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla. She also outperformed global music icons like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
With her victory, Ayra Starr joins an exclusive group of Nigerian artists—Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022)—as the only ones to win the Best International Act at the MOBO Awards.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
On the official MOBO X account, a post 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 Nominees:
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)
Ayra Starr’s Acceptance Speech: In an emotional speech, Ayra Starr said: “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am shaking right now. I am 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 Records, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Other Notable Winners: Among the other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards were Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal. Darkoo also won the Best Female Act award.
A celebratory post on the MOBO X account read: “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 honouring excellence in Black-origin music, spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBOs have been instrumental in recognizing and celebrating Black artists both in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has propelled the careers of many.
With Ayra Starr's groundbreaking win, the MOBOs continue to highlight the powerful influence of African music on the global stage.
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