Ayra Starr won the African Music Performance at the 2025 theme awards ceremony, making her the first woman to win the award in 16 years.
The Nigerian singer also won the Best International Music Act Award at a ceremony in Newcastle.
Ayra Starr defeated Nigerian singers Asake and Tems and South Africa’s Tyla to win the award.
For best international behaviour, Ayra against Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Mar, Tems, Latto, she beat them.
The event hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi celebrates the best events in black music and culture.
The official MOBO X account reads: “Global Stars, Unstoppable Power! @Ayrastarr Gets Best African Music Performance in #Moboawards – the highest level of African Music!”
The obvious emotional singer said in an acceptance speech: “Well, this is my first subject. This is my first win for the motherboard award – making some noise! I’m actually shaking now. I’m really pretty nervous.
“Thank you so much for supporting everyone in me. Thanks to my team – my amazing mob star.
“I’m amazing brother who makes music with me – the studio’s producer – my crime studio partner; my tags – Mavins record, Embryo, my mummy…
“Thank you so much. Thank you, host.”
The MOBO Awards, founded by Kanya King in 1996, is an annual British music ceremony that honors the excellence of black music such as hip-hop, R&B, Soul, Soul, Reggae, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel and African music.
