11h • 2 min read
Nigerian music star, Ayra Starr, has made history after becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The singer also won the Best International Music Act award at the prestigious ceremony which took place in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
Ayra Starr won the award by beating co-Nigerians Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla.
While receiving her award, Ayra Starr acknowledged the significance of the moment, saying, “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.”
Ayra Starr joins Wizkid and Burna Boy as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
MOBO 2025 Winners Full List
Best Male Act – Central Cee
Best Female Act – Darkoo
Best Newcomer – Odeal
Album of the Year – Bashy, Being Poor Is Expensive
Song of the Year – Darkoo feat. Dess Dior, Favourite Girl
Video of the Year – Mnelia, My Man
Best Hip-Hop Act – Bashy
Best Grime Act – Scorcher
Best Drill Act – Pozer
Best R&B/Soul Act – Odeal
Best Media Personality – 90s Baby Show
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With the Vampire
Best Electronic/Dance Music Act – TSHA
Best Gospel Act – Annatoria
Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Best Producer – Juls
Best Caribbean Music Act – Shenseea
Best Alternative Music Act – ALT BLK ERA
Best International Act – Ayra Starr
MOBO Paving the Way Award – Denise Lewis MBE
MOBO Impact Award – Vybz Kartel
Story by Adam Mosadioluwa, MSN