Ayra Starr Wins Best International Act at 2025 BET Awards

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has taken home the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, beating out other top African stars.

The 22-year-old singer won over big names like Tyla from South Africa, Rema from Nigeria, and Black Sherif from Ghana. The event was held on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrating Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, who returned to the BET stage after first hosting in 2011. He kicked off the night with his usual bold and funny style, poking fun at pop culture icons like Kanye West.

Ayra Starr’s win is a huge milestone in her growing career. Since her first nomination in 2022, the talented singer has continued to shine. She was previously nominated for:

• Best New International Act (2022)
  
• Best International Act (2023)
  
• BET Her Award (2024) for her song “Commas”
  

In 2025, she was up for three nominations and came out on top in the Best International Act category.

While Ayra Starr wins BET Award headlines, American rapper Kendrick Lamar was the night’s biggest winner. He bagged four major awards, including:

• Album of the Year for GNX
  
• Best Male Hip Hop Artist
  
• Video of the Year for Not Like Us
  
• Best Collaboration with SZA for the track Luther

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Complete List of 2025 BET Award Winners

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown

Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin

Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar

Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii

Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar

Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist – Leon Thomas

Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music

Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo

Best Actor – Denzel Washington

Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much

YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter

Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese

Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts

BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker

Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)

Best International Act – Ayra Starr

Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” – Chris Brown

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