Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr has shattered a 16-year drought, becoming the first female artist since 2009 to win the prestigious Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The win marks a significant milestone not just for Starr but for female artists in Afrobeats, a genre that has rapidly expanded its global influence.
The 21-year-old hitmaker didn’t stop there—she also clinched the highly coveted Best International Music Act award, standing tall among industry heavyweights, including Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion.
The awards ceremony, held in Newcastle and hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, celebrated the best in Black music and culture, with Starr stealing the show.
A Victory for Women in Afrobeats
Ayra Starr’s triumph represents a pivotal shift in the landscape of African music, where male artists have historically dominated the scene.
The last woman to win the MOBO Best African Music Act award was Kenyan rapper Wahu in 2008. Starr’s victory not only acknowledges her meteoric rise but also underscores the increasing recognition of female talent in the Afrobeats genre.
The singer-songwriter, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, emerged victorious over an impressive roster of nominees, including fellow Nigerians Asake, Tems, Bnxn, Ruger, Odumodublvck, Rema, and Shallipopi, alongside South African sensation Tyla and Ghana’s King Promise.
A Historic Lineage
With her Best International Music Act win, Starr joins an exclusive list of Nigerian stars who have claimed the title, including Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Grammy winner Burna Boy (2020, 2022).
Her success further solidifies Afrobeats as a dominant force in the global music industry.
In her acceptance speech, Ayra Starr expressed her gratitude, saying:
“This is my first MOBO! I am actually shaking right now. Thank you so much to everybody who supported me—my team, my amazing MOB-STARS, my producers, my label MAVINS, and of course, my mum. Thank you, MOBOs.”
The MOBOs: Elevating Black Music for Decades
Since its inception in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) have been a pivotal platform in honoring artists across hip-hop, R&B, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
Over the years, the ceremony has been instrumental in shaping careers and amplifying voices that have defined the sound of Black music worldwide.
Afrobeats’ Global Takeover
Starr’s historic win at the MOBOs is further proof of Afrobeats’ unstoppable rise.
With chart-topping records, sold-out global tours, and international collaborations, the genre has evolved from a continental treasure to a worldwide phenomenon.
Starr’s win is not just about personal achievement—it’s inspiration for the next generation of African female artists ready to claim their place on the global stage.
