Nigerian music sensation, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe popularly known as Ayra Starr has set a new record, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act category at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The singer also took home the prestigious Best International Music Act award at the ceremony held in Newcastle, UK.
Ayra Starr triumphed over strong competition, including fellow Nigerians Asake and Tems, as well as South African star Tyla.
In the international category, she edged out global icons such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
With this win, Ayra Starr joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Best International Act award.
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.
The 2025 MOBO Awards, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best of Black music and culture.
The official MOBO Awards X account celebrated her achievement with a post that read, “Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
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.”
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)
