Ayra Starr Breaks 16-Year Record, Wins Big at 2025 MOBO Awards
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has made history as the first woman in 16 years to clinch the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards. Held in Newcastle, the prestigious event also saw the star taking home the coveted Best International Music Act award.
Ayra Starr now joins an elite group of Nigerian artists—including Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022)—to win the MOBO Award for Best International Act.
The 2025 MOBO Awards, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the finest in Black music and culture. Following Ayra’s groundbreaking win, a post on the official MOBO X account read: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level!”
Ayra Starr’s Emotional Acceptance Speech
During her acceptance speech, an emotional Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude to her supporters and team.
“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,” she said.
She continued, “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
The 2025 MOBO Awards also saw other major wins. Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal took home notable awards, with Darkoo securing the Best Female Act award.
The MOBO X account celebrated Darkoo’s win with a post that read: “From bangers to big wins! @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory!”
About the MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin Awards) is an annual British music ceremony honoring excellence in music of Black origin. It spans genres such as hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Founded in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards have played a pivotal role in celebrating Black artists in the UK and globally, providing a platform that has launched and shaped countless careers.
With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the MOBOs continue to highlight the powerful global influence of African music and its leading artists.