2025 MOBO Awards: Ayra Starr makes history as first female winner for best African act in 16 years

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has etched her name in history by becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards.  

The singer further cemented her dominance by also taking home the prestigious Best International Music Act award at the event, which was held in Newcastle.

Ayra Starr triumphed over fellow Nigerian nominees Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla, to secure the Best African Music Act title. In the international category, she outshined global superstars such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.

Ayra Starr (2025) joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.

The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.

A post on the official MOBO X account read: “Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”

Best African music act

Asake (Nigeria)

WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)

King Promise (Ghana)

Odumodublvck (Nigeria)

Rema (Nigeria)

Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Tems (Nigeria)

Davido, Wizkid beat international rivals to win MOBO Awards

Tyla (South Africa)

Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

Ayra Starr’s Speech

In her acceptance speech, the visibly emotional singer 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. 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.”

Other Big Winners

News360 Nigeria reports that other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards included Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal.

Darkoo also secured the Best Female Act award.

Another celebratory post from the MOBO X account read: “From bangers to big wins! 🔥🏆 @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”

MOBO Awards

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony that honours excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.

Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the awards have been instrumental in celebrating and recognizing Black artists in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has helped shape the careers of many.

With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the MOBOs continue to showcase the undeniable influence of African music on the global stage.