N igerian music sensation Ayra Starr has cemented her place in history, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award at the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle. The 22-year-old superstar further solidified her global dominance by also taking home the Best International Music Act award, joining Wizkid and Burna Boy as the only Nigerians to achieve this prestigious double win.
A Milestone for African Music
The MOBO Awards, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, served as a grand celebration of Black music and culture, with Ayra Starr’s triumph standing out as a defining moment. The official MOBO X account captured the excitement: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards – repping African music at the highest level! 🔥🏆”
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Ayra Starr, visibly emotional, shared, “This is my first MOBO. I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.” She expressed gratitude to her fans, her label MAVINS, her producers, and her family, particularly her mother, whom she credited as a pillar of support. “Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS,” she added.
Breaking a 16-Year Drought
Ayra Starr’s victory marks a turning point for female African artists, as the last woman to win Best African Music Act was Angelique Kidjo in 2009. Her success signals the continued global rise of Afrobeats, a genre that has reshaped international music landscapes, with Nigerian artists leading the charge.
Other Major Wins
The 2025 MOBO Awards also celebrated other notable achievements. British artists Bashy, Darkoo, and Odeal claimed top honors, with Darkoo winning Best Female Act. The MOBO X account acknowledged her success, posting, “From bangers to big wins! @Darkoo takes home the Best Female Act award at the #MOBOAwards – a well-deserved victory! 🙌”
The MOBO Legacy
Since its establishment in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards have been a pivotal platform for recognizing Black music excellence, spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in elevating talents such as Stormzy, Dave, and now Ayra Starr.
Social Media Reactions
Ayra’s double win sparked an outpouring of praise across social media, particularly on X, where fans hailed her as a trailblazer. Posts ranged from celebratory messages like “Ayra Starr is carrying Africa on her shoulders!” by @MusicLoverNG to deeper reflections on the significance of her achievement. @AfrobeatWatch remarked, “This win shows how far African music has come, but also how much more work there is to do for women in the industry.”
Looking Ahead
Ayra Starr’s dual victory at the MOBOs is more than a personal milestone; it is a defining moment for Nigerian and African music. With hits like “Rush” and “Commas” continuing to dominate global charts, her influence is set to grow, inspiring a new generation of female African artists. Meanwhile, the MOBO Awards reaffirm their status as a vital institution championing the diversity and brilliance of Black music worldwide.
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