NIGERIA: Ayra Starr Makes History at 2025 MOBO Awards, Wins Two Major Titles

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

Afrobeat queen, Ayra Starr has made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle, United Kingdom, by securing two prestigious awards: ‘Best International Act’ and ‘Best African Music Act.’

Her win in the ‘Best International Act’ category is groundbreaking, as she becomes the first African female artist to win this honor.

Additionally, her victory in the ‘Best African Music Act’ category is equally significant, as it marked the first time in 16 years that a woman has claimed the award.

Ayra Starr, known for her unique fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, has continued to captivate global audiences with her unique sound.

Other winners at the MOBO Awards include Darkoo, who won the ‘Best Female Act,’ Central Cee, the ‘Best Male Act,’ and Odeal, who won ‘Best Newcomer.’

Below is the complete list of the winners at the 2025 MOBO Awards:

Best Male Act: Central Cee

Best Female Act: Darkoo

Best Newcomer: Odeal

Album of the Year: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

Song of the Year: Darkoo – Favourite Girl (ft. Dess Dior)

Video of the Year: Mnelia – My Man (directed by Femi Bello)

Best Hip-Hop Act: Bashy

Best Grime Act: Scorcher

Best Drill Act: Pozer

Best R&B/Soul Act: Odeal

Best Media Personality: 90s Baby Show

Best African Music Act: Ayra Starr

Best Performance in a TV Show/Film: Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With the Vampire

Best Electronic/Dance Music Act: TSHA

Best Gospel Act: Annatoria

Best Jazz Act: Ezra Collective

Best Producer: Juls

Best Caribbean Music Act: Shenseea

Best Alternative Music Act: ALT BLK ERA

Best International Act: Ayra Starr

MOBO Paving the Way Award: Denise Lewis

MOBO Impact Award: Vybz Kartel