Ayra Starr made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards by becoming the first female artist in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act category of the award.

The “Rush” crooner also won the Best International Music Act Award at the awards ceremony held in Newcastle.

Ayra Starr’s success at the global award ceremony was particularly thrilling, as she beat high-profile global acts like Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Latto, GloRilla, and Megan Thee Stallion, and also beat her compatriots like Tems and Asake. She also beat South African singer Tyla to win an award.

Following her win, Ayra Starr joined the Nigerian duo of Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian acts to win the MOBO Award for Best International Act.

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In a post on its social media page, MOBO described Ayra Starr as a “global star” and an “unstoppable force,” noting that she is representing “African music at the highest level.”

Reacting to her win, an excited Ayra Starr said it 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.”