Ayra Starr Makes History at MOBO Awards Shattering 16-Year Record

 

 

Ayra Starr

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has etched her name in history, winning the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, making her the first woman in 16 years to claim the prestigious title.

In an unforgettable night at the awards ceremony held in Newcastle, UK, Ayra Starr also secured the Best International Music Act award, further cementing her status as a global star.

The “Rush” hitmaker triumphed over fierce competition, beating top Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s rising star Tyla, to claim the Best African Music Act award.

For the Best International Act category, Ayra Starr emerged victorious against global music heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.

The ceremony, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture. The official MOBO Awards X (Twitter) account hailed Ayra’s win, posting:

"Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!"

Taking the stage to accept her award, Ayra Starr was visibly emotional as she expressed her gratitude:

"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—MAVIN Records, Embryo, my mummy…

"Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs."

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards), established in 1996 by Kanya King, is a prestigious annual British music ceremony honoring excellence in Black music across genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.

With this historic win, Ayra Starr continues to elevate African music on the global stage, proving that she is truly an unstoppable force in the industry.