Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history by winning the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards. She is the first woman in 16 years to receive this honor.

The talented artist also won the Best International Music Act award at the event held in Newcastle, UK

Ayra Starr won the Best African Music Act award over fellow Nigerian singers Asake and Tems, as well as South African star Tyla.

For the Best International Music Act, she competed against Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, Latto, and others. Tyla, who was also nominated, won in this category.

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) were created in 1996 by Kanya King to recognize excellence in Black music across genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.

The 2025 MOBO Awards were hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, bringing together top artists to celebrate Black music and culture.

A post on the official MOBO X account praised Ayra Starr, saying:
“Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!

During her acceptance speech, Ayra Starr was visibly emotional. She expressed her gratitude, saying:

“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.”

This historic win marks another big achievement in Ayra Starr’s music career, proving she is one of Africa’s biggest rising stars.