By Bukola Kayode

Mavin music First Lady Ayra Starr has made history as the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.

The Grammy nominee also took home the Best International Music Act award at the ceremony held in Newcastle.

Ayra Starr clinched the award, by beating co-Nigerians Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla.

She also beat stars like 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.

Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Olamide & Arya Starr Receive Grammy Nominations

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! ”

In her response, Ayra 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.”

Best African music act

Asake (Nigeria)

WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)

King Promise (Ghana)

Odumodublvck (Nigeria)

Rema (Nigeria)

Shallipopi (Nigeria)

Tems (Nigeria)

Tyla (South Africa)

Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

Ayra Starr’s Speech

Other Big Winners

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.