At the 2025 MOBO Awards, Ayra Star won the Best African Music Act title, defeating South Africa’s Tyla and Nigerian artists Asake and Tems.
She is the first woman to receive the prize in 16 years as a result of this accomplishment. At the Newcastle ceremony, the Nigerian singer also won the Best International Music Act prize.
Ayra defeated Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto in the competition for Best International Act. Eddie Kadi and Indiyah Polack presented the event, which honored the finest in Black culture and music.
Still in disbelief by her victory, Ayra Star said in her acceptance speech,
“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.”
