Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first female artist in 16 years to win the prestigious Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. The star-studded event, held in Newcastle, was a night of celebration for African and Black-origin music, with Ayra Starr also clinching the Best International Music Act award.
With this historic achievement, the “Rush” hitmaker joins an elite list of Nigerian artists such as Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) who have previously won the MOBO Award for Best International Act. This milestone marks a significant moment for female representation in African music on the global stage.
A Night to Remember
The event, co-hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, showcased the very best of Black music and culture. The official MOBO X account celebrated Ayra Starr’s win with a post that read:
“Global star, unstoppable force! 🌍✨ @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
Ayra Starr, visibly moved by the honor, delivered an emotional acceptance speech. Expressing her gratitude, she said:
“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.”
Other Big Winners of the Night
The 2025 MOBO Awards also saw other outstanding artists take home well-deserved accolades. Rising star Darkoo won the Best Female Act award, further cementing her position as one of the top voices in the industry.
MOBO’s official X account celebrated her win with a post:
“From bangers to big wins! 🔥🏆 @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”
Other notable winners of the night included Bashy and Odeal, who were recognized for their contributions to the music industry.
About the MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony dedicated to honoring excellence in music of Black origin. Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the awards celebrate diverse genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Over the years, the MOBO Awards have played a significant role in shaping the careers of Black artists in the UK and globally. By providing a platform for these artists, the event continues to push boundaries and showcase the immense talent within the Black music community.
A Monumental Win for Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s historic win signifies a breakthrough moment for female African artists, reinforcing the importance of representation and recognition on global platforms. As she continues to rise in her career, her success at the MOBO Awards serves as inspiration for aspiring female musicians across Africa and beyond.
With this latest triumph, Ayra Starr has further solidified her status as a trailblazer in the African music industry, proving once again that she is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
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