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Ayra Starr Ends 16-Year Wait For Female Best African Music Act At MOBO Awards
Ayra Starr became the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The Nigerian star also won Best International Music Act at the Newcastle ceremony.
Ayra Starr (2025) joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian singers to have received the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The event, presented by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, honoured the greatest of Black music and culture. Ayra Starr became the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The Nigerian star also won Best International Music Act at the Newcastle ceremony.
Ayra Starr (2025) joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian musicians to have received the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The event, presented by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, honoured the greatest of Black music and culture.
The official MOBO X account posted: “Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
Ayra Starr’s Speech
In her award speech, the emotional singer stated, “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is my first time getting a MOBO Award—make some noise! I’m genuinely shaking right now. I’m nervous.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me. Thank you to my incredible team of 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 mother…”
WHAT IS A MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) are an annual British music award recognises excellence in Black music across genres, including hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Kanya King founded the awards in 1996, and they have played an important role in commemorating and recognizing Black artists in the UK and around the world, offering a platform that has helped shape many careers.
