Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has emerged as the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, surpassing heavyweights like Asake, Tems, and South Africa’s Tyla.
With this achievement, the Rush crooner becomes the first woman in 16 years to win the prestigious category.
In an even bigger feat, Ayra Starr also bagged the Best International Music Act, triumphing over global stars such as Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.
The event, held in Newcastle and hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
During her acceptance speech, an emotional Ayra Starr 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 Records, Embryo, my mummy… Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”
Her double win cements her status as one of the biggest African music exports globally.