Ayra Starr Becomes First Woman to Win Best African Act at MOBO Awards
Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards on Tuesday night, becoming the first woman to win the Best African Act category in the award’s 16-year history.
The Mavin Records star emerged as one of the biggest winners at the ceremony, held at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, securing two major awards—Best African Act and Best International Act.
Ayra Starr claimed the Best International Act title against global superstars such as Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, Asake, and Tyla. She also outshined Asake, Rema, Burna Boy, and Tems to take home the Best African Act award.
Elsewhere at the MOBOs, British rapper Central Cee cemented his legacy as the joint most-decorated rapper in the award’s history, winning Best Male Act for a record-breaking third consecutive year. British-Nigerian singer Darkoo also took home Best Female Act, triumphing over RAYE, Jorja Smith, Little Simz, Cleo Sol, and Nia Archives.
