At the 2025 MOBO Awards, Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made history by being the first female winner of the Best African Music Act category in sixteen years.
The gifted musician further solidified her worldwide prominence by winning the Best International Music Act award.
Ayra Starr defeated South African superstar Tyla and fellow Nigerian artists Asake and Tems to win the Best African Music Act prize at the Newcastle awards ceremony.
In the Best International Act category, she beat a strong array of global giants, including Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.
Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African Music at the highest level! 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/cm5wzUPpyh
— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 19, 2025
A clearly tearful Ayra Starr ascended the stage to collect her prize, expressing appreciation to her fans, crew, and record label. She acknowledged that she was trembling with excitement and called the experience "surreal."
She attended the MOBO Awards for the first time and won her first set of honors.
Her accomplishment was praised by the official MOBO Awards X (Twitter) account, which referred to her as a worldwide celebrity and an unstoppable force that represents African music on the international scene.
Hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and Afrobeats were among the genres of Black music and culture that were celebrated during the event, which was hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi.
A special moment for @ayrastarr as she come off stage after winning Best African Music Act #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/73w8kBZsmc
— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 18, 2025
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards remain one of the most prestigious platforms recognizing excellence in Black-origin music. For female musicians in the African music scene, Ayra Starr's historic victory represents a pivotal moment.
source: www.adomonline.com