Ayra Starr clinched two big awards at the 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards held in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
The Nigerian performer became the first woman to win best African music act in 16 years and also won best international music act.
Ayra Starr defeated Asake, Bnxn & Ruger, King Promise, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, Tems, Tyla, and Uncle Waffles to win the Best African Music Act award.
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She also beat out world-acclaimed competition like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
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According to The Sun Nigeria, Ayra Starr follows Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian musicians to win the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
For nearly three decades, the annual MOBO Awards have been a major cultural event in the British music industry, honoring excellence in Black music and culture, according to its website.
It has made a name for itself as the “premiere outlet for recognizing and honoring the artistic achievement of exceptional British and international talent in Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B and Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Electronic/Dance, Alternative, Gospel and African music.”
In response to her historic win, the 22-year-old thanked her fans and the music industry.
She said, “Winning these awards means so much to me. I want to thank my fans, my team, and everyone who has supported my journey. This is for African music and for all the women pushing boundaries.”
The singer, who was born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, rose to international fame in 2021 with her hit song Bloody Samaritan, which was released by Mavin Records under the direction of music producer Don Jazzy.
Her career has taken off since then, and she has received multiple nominations and awards for her efforts.
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