Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has made history as the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO.
The Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO Awards) is an annual British music ceremony that honors excellence in music of Black origin, spanning genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
MOBO was founded in 1996 by Kanya King and has since been instrumental in celebrating and recognizing Black artists in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has helped shape the careers of many.
This year’s prestigious awards ceremony was held in Newcastle and hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi.
The event celebrated the best of Black music and culture. Ayra Starr’s victory saw her triumph over fellow Nigerian star Asake and South Africa’s Tyla.
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The singer’s win highlights her growing influence in the global music scene, cementing her status as one of Africa’s leading contemporary artists.
In addition to her historic win, Ayra Starr became the only Nigerian female artist to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act, joining an elite list of Nigerian artists who have received the honor, including Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022).
The “commas” singer clinched the two awards in the categories by beating co-Nigerians Asake and Tems, South Africa’s Tyla, and other stars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
Ayra Starr’s historic win, the MOBOs continue to showcase the undeniable influence of African music on the global stage.
Below is the list of winners at the 2025 MOBO awards:
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 (ft. 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 African Music Act: Ayra Starr
Best Performance In A TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson 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
Photo Credit Instagram: @ayrastarr
