Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has cemented her place in music history, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the prestigious 2025 MOBO Awards. The singer, known for her electrifying performances and unique sound, also won the Best International Music Act award, further solidifying her status as a global music force.
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) is an annual British music ceremony that honors excellence in Black-origin music genres, including hip-hop, R&B, grime, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell, the awards have played a crucial role in celebrating Black artists worldwide, providing a platform that has propelled many to global fame.
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A Landmark Win for Ayra Starr
The 2025 MOBO Awards, held at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, marked a milestone moment for Ayra Starr, who triumphed in a highly competitive category. She secured the Best African Music Act award by outperforming fellow Nigerian nominees Asake, Tems, Rema, Shallipopi, Bnxn & Ruger, and Odumodublvck, as well as South African stars Tyla and Uncle Waffles.
In the Best International Music Act category, Ayra Starr faced formidable competition from global heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto. Her victory in this category places her in elite company, joining Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian artists to have won the award.
A Heartfelt Acceptance Speech
Visibly emotional, Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech, sharing the stage with her supporters and fans.
“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,”
She went on to thank those who have been instrumental in her journey:
“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.”
Other Big Winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards
The night was filled with remarkable wins, with Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal among the notable victors. British rapper Darkoo secured the Best Female Act award, further emphasizing the growing influence of female artists in Black music.
A 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! 
”
Ayra Starr’s Meteoric Rise
The MOBO triumph is yet another milestone in Ayra Starr’s phenomenal career. The Nigerian star recently released her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, a critically acclaimed project that showcases her artist evolution. Over the past year, she has performed on prestigious global stages, including Glastonbur. She is set to join Coldplay on their upcoming stadium tour, which is a testament to her expanding international influence.
With her distinctive style and undeniable talent, Ayra Starr is proving to be a defining voice in modern Afrobeats. Her historic win at the MOBO Awards recognizes her achievements and underscores the growing impact of African music on the global stage.
The Significance of the MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards have been pivotal in celebrating Black culture and music for nearly three decades. Since their inception in 1996, the awards have provided a global platform for artists across diverse Black-origin music genres.
- The first MOBO Awards ceremony was held in London at the Connaught Rooms, where the first-ever award was presented to Baby D for Best Dance Act.
- Over the years, the event has traveled across the UK, with Glasgow (2009, 2011), Leeds (2015, 2017), Sheffield (2024), and Newcastle (2025) hosting the awards.
- The MOBOs have been broadcast on major platforms like Channel 4, BBC, ITV2, Channel 5, and BET, returning to the BBC in 2020 after a brief hiatus.
By honoring artists like Ayra Starr, the MOBO Awards continue to amplify African music, reinforcing its growing global appeal and influence.
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A New Era for African Music
With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the future of African music looks brighter than ever. The success of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres on global platforms signals a shift in the industry, with African artists now receiving recognition alongside the biggest names in music.
As Ayra Starr takes her place among music’s elite, her MOBO victories serve as a powerful reminder of African music’s limitless potential. Her journey is just beginning, and the world is undoubtedly watching.
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