Nigerian singer Ayra Starr achieved a historic milestone at the 2025 MOBO Awards, held on February 18th at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.
She secured two major awards: Best African Music Act and Best International Act. Notably, she is the first African woman to win the Best International Act award and the first female artiste in 16 years to receive the Best African Music Act honor.
Ayra Starr’s rise to prominence began with her 2021 hit Bloody Samaritan, released under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. In 2024, she performed at prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and is set to support Coldplay on their upcoming stadium tour.
Other notable winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards include British rapper Bashy, who won Best Hip-Hop Act and Album of the Year for Being Poor Is Expensive, and Darkoo, who secured Best Female Act and Song of the Year for Favourite Girl.
The MOBO Awards, which celebrate music of Black origin, continue to recognize and honor artistes making significant contributions to the industry.
