Nigerian singer Ayra Starr claimed two major awards at the 2025 MOBO Awards, held on Wednesday in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
The MOBO Awards, which celebrate “music of Black origin,” recognized Starr as the ‘Best International Act’, making her the first African female to win the category. She also took home the ‘Best African Music Act’ award—becoming the first female winner in 16 years.
Other winners included Darkoo, a Nigerian-British rapper, who won ‘Best Female Act’, while Central Cee secured the ‘Best Male Act’ award. The popular podcast 90s Baby Show was named ‘Best Media Personality’, and Nigerian-born singer Odeal won ‘Best Newcomer’.
Ayra Starr’s Rise to Fame
Born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr rose to prominence with her 2021 hit song ‘Bloody Samaritan’ under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. Since then, she has become a leading voice in African music, earning numerous awards and nominations for her work.
See the full list of winners here:
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 (ft. Dess Dior) – ‘Favourite Girl’
Video Of The Year: Mnelia – ‘My Man’
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 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
