Nigerian artist Ayra Starr has cemented her place in history, securing two prestigious awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards held in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on Wednesday.
The MOBO Awards, an annual event celebrating achievements in “music of Black origin,” saw Starr clinch the titles of Best International Act and Best African Music Act.
She became the first African female artist to win the international category and the first female artist in 16 years to claim the African music accolade.
Reacting to her historic win, Starr expressed gratitude to her fans and the music industry. “Winning these awards means so much to me. I want to thank my fans, my team, and everyone who has supported my journey. This is for African music and for all the women pushing boundaries,” she said.
Born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, the singer gained global recognition with her 2021 hit single Bloody Samaritan under Mavin Records, led by music producer Don Jazzy. Since then, she has continued to soar, earning numerous accolades and nominations for her work.
Other notable winners at the event included Nigerian-British rapper Darkoo, who won Best Female Act, while Central Cee took home the Best Male Act award.
The Best Newcomer category went to Nigerian-born singer Odeal, and the Best Media Personalityhonor was awarded to the three-man podcast 90s Baby Show.
Central Cee emerged as the Best Male Act, surpassing competitors such as Bashy, D-Block Europe, Ghetts, Nemzzz, and Sampha.
The Album of the Year award went to Bashy for Being Poor Is Expensive, with other nominees including Cleo Sol (Gold), Ghetts (On Purpose, With Purpose), Jorja Smith (*Falling Or Flying), Sampha (Lahai), and Skrapz (Reflection).
Darkoo and Dess Dior’s collaboration Favourite Girl won Song of the Year, triumphing over tracks by Central Cee featuring Lil Baby (Band4band), Chase & Status with Stormzy (Backbone), Jordan Adetunji (Kehlani), Leostaytrill (Pink Lemonade), and Odeal (Soh-soh).
The Best Newcomer award was presented to Odeal, who was chosen over Chy Cartier, Elmiene, Fimiguerrero, Flowerovlove, Jordan Adetunji, Len, Leostaytrill, Myles Smith, and Pozer.
Ayra Starr was named Best International Act, surpassing renowned artists including Asake, Beyoncé, GloRilla, Kendrick Lamar, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Tems, and Tyla.
In addition to winning Best International Act, Ayra Starr also took home the Best African Music Act award, triumphing over Asake (Nigeria), Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria), King Promise (Ghana), Odumodublvck (Nigeria), Rema (Nigeria), Shallipopi (Nigeria), Tems (Nigeria), Tyla (South Africa), and Uncle Waffles (South Africa).
With these wins, Ayra Starr continues to solidify her reputation as one of Africa’s most influential and groundbreaking artists on the global stage.
Boluwatife Enome
