Ayra Starr Makes History at 2025 MOBO Awards, Wins Best International Act & Best African Music Act
Ayra Starr Makes History at 2025 MOBO Awards, Wins Best International Act & Best African Music Act
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has cemented her legacy on the global stage, winning both Best International Act and Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards. This groundbreaking achievement makes her the first female artist in 16 years to claim the Best African Music Act title, reinforcing her meteoric rise in the music industry.
A Historic Night at the MOBOs
The prestigious MOBO Awards 2025, held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, honored the best in Black music and culture, with Ayra Starr’s double victory standing out as a defining moment.
In the highly competitive Best International Act category, she triumphed over global superstars BeyoncĂ©, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, and fellow Nigerian powerhouses Tems and Asake. In the Best African Music Act category, she outshone Afrobeats giants Burna Boy, Rema, and South Africa’s Tyla.
Ayra Starr’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
Visibly overwhelmed with joy, Ayra Starr took the stage to deliver a heartfelt acceptance speech:
“This is my first MOBO. I'm actually shaking right now. Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS, my brothers who make music with me, my label—MAVINS record, and my mum. Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Her words resonated with fans worldwide, solidifying her as a beacon of talent and inspiration in the African and global music scenes.
From Rising Star to Global Icon
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin, Ayra Starr’s journey to international stardom began with her signing to Mavin Records in 2021. Blending Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, she quickly made waves with her debut album “19 & Dangerous,” featuring the chart-topping hit "Bloody Samaritan," which soared to the top of Nigeria’s TurnTable Top 50 chart.
Her sophomore album, “The Year I Turned 21” (2024), further cemented her dominance, earning critical acclaim and expanding her global fan base.
Other Major Winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards
- Best Male Act – Central Cee
- Best Female Act – Darkoo
- Best Newcomer – Odeal
- Album of the Year – Bashy – "Being Poor Is Expensive"
- Song of the Year – Darkoo ft. Dess Dior – "Favourite Girl"
MOBO Awards: Championing Black Music Excellence
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards continue to celebrate the finest Black artists across genres including hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Ayra Starr’s record-breaking feat marks a pivotal moment, signaling the unstoppable global rise of Afrobeats and the undeniable impact of African music on the world stage.
With this monumental achievement, Ayra Starr has not only rewritten history but also set a new standard for excellence. As she continues to break barriers and redefine global music culture, her legacy as one of Africa’s most influential artists is only just beginning.
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