Mobo Awards 2025: Ayra Starr Makes History As First African Woman To Win Best International Act

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ayra Starr, has made history as the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards which held Tuesday evening, 18th February.

The 2025 MOBO Awards, celebrated Black music and culture at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, England.

This marked the first time the event was held in Newcastle.

The Nigerian star also took home the Best International Music Act award by beating co-Nigerians Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla.

She also beat stars like Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto in this category.

In her acceptance speech, the visibly emotional singer said: “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.
“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.”

A Look At Ayra Starr’s Awards And Nominations

The Nigerian born artist has got many other feathers to her cap. She won her very first award at the Europe Music Awards in 2024 as the best African Act and has gone ahead to be nominated in many others amongst which is the Grammy.

2024 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs):
Best African Act (Won)
Best Push (Won)
Best Afrobeats(Nominated)
Best New Artist (Nominated)

2023 Grammy Awards:
Best African Music Performance(Nominated for “Rush”)

2023 Headies Awards:
Best Female Artiste of the Year(Nominated)
Next Rated (Nominated)
Best Collaboration (Nominated)
Best Afrobeats Artiste of the Year(Nominated)

2024 Nigeria Entertainment Awards:
Best Female Artiste of the Year (Nominated)
Best Music Video (Nominated)

2024 Headies Awards:
Best Recording of the Year (Nominated)
Best Female Vocal Performance (Nominated)
Best R&B Single (Nominated)

2024 BET Awards:
Best New Artist (Nominated)
Best International Act (Nominated)
BET Her Award (Nominated)

2025 MOBO Awards:
Best African Music Act
Best International Act

Who Is Ayra Starr?

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe born 14th June 2002 from Kwara state known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.

She was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and growing up, she had an interest in fashion, modelling, and music. In 2018, Ayra was signed by Quove Model Management and had the chance to work with brands such as Mazelle Studio, Viper Magazine, and Esperanza.

She developed her musical skills as a teenager, listening to a variety of genres, including Afrobeat, R&B, and pop.

Ayra Starr studied at the Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland received a BA degree in international relations and political science. However, she later decided to pursue her passion for music instead of continuing her studies in hotel management, which led her to focus on her musical career.

Her decision to follow her passion for music has certainly paid off, as she has quickly become one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian music.

The singer was raised by her mom not because of her dad was absentee as many people have opined, but because her father passed away untimely.

She has four siblings. She has two brothers, Ade and Dami Aderibigbe, and two sisters, Tolulope and Jesutumise Aderibigbe. Ayra Starr’s brother Dami, is a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, who partly influenced her to become a musician.

Ayra Starr was discovered by Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy. She signed a record deal with the label, marking the beginning of her professional career in the Nigerian music industry.

She released her self-titled EP, Ayra Starr, in January 2020. The project featured hits like “Away” and “Ditrty Secret,” which introduced her distinctive sound, blending Afrobeat, pop, and R&B influences.

Starr achieved mainstream international recognition in 2022, with the release of her song “Rush”. The song charted in several territories, including Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. It earned Starr a nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance.

The entertainer’s net worth is alleged to be approximately between $500 thousand and $1 million, according to Vim Buzz. Her primary source of income is earnings from her thriving music career. She also makes money from modelling and brand endorsements on social

Nigerian British artist, Darkoo, also won the Song of the year , with his favorite girl song feat. Dess Dior, and the best female act.

Others notable winners are Annatoria who won the best gospel act, Bashy, Being Poor Is Expensive as the Album of the year, Odeal as the best newcomer and TSHA who won the best electronic/ dance music act, amongst others.

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin) is an annual award celebrating the best in music from Black artists and other artists of African and Caribbean descent.

The awards recognize various genres including hip-hop, R&B, soul, grime, reggae, jazz, and more. The ceremony was founded in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell and has become a significant event in the UK music scene, honoring both established and emerging talent.