Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has become the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
She also took home the Best International Music Act award, beating out top contenders like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
Star-Studded Victory
Ayra Starr’s historic win was announced at the ceremony held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on Tuesday, February 18, where she was competing against other Nigerians like Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla.
In her emotional acceptance 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 actually shaking right now.“
She thanked her team, family, and label, MAVINS record, saying, “Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.”
Ayra Starr joins Wizkid and Burna Boy as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act. Her win marks a significant milestone in the recognition of African music on the global stage.
Other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards included Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal. Darkoo secured the Best Female Act award, with the MOBO X account praising her as a “well-deserved victory!“
The MOBO Awards, founded in 1996 by Kanya King, celebrate excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Full List of Winners – MOBO Awards 2025
The MOBO Awards remains a platform that recognizes afro music and culture, both in the UK and globally. As the organization approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, its impact remains as powerful as ever.
Here’s a list of other winners at the 2025 awards event.
- 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 – Favourite Girl (ft. Dess Dior)
- Video of the Year: Mnelia – My Man (directed by Femi Bello)
- Best Hip-Hop Act: Bashy
- Best Grime Act: Scorcher
- Best Drill Act: Pozer
- Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal
- Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show
- Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr
- Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With the Vampire
- Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: TSHA
- Best Gospel Act: Annatoria
- Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective
- Best Producer: Juls
- Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea
- Best Alternative Music Act: ALT BLK ERA
- Best International Act: Ayra Starr
- MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis
- MOBO Impact Award: Vybz Kartel
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