Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has made historical past on the 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, turning into the primary girl in 16 years to win the Greatest African Music Act award.
On Tuesday, the 22-year-old music star additionally clinched the title of Greatest Worldwide Music Act on the prestigious occasion, held on the Utilita Area in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
The awards ceremony celebrated excellence in Black music and tradition and highlighted the rising affect of African artistes on the worldwide stage.
Historic win
Ayra Starr’s victory within the Greatest Worldwide Music Act class makes her the primary African feminine artiste to interrupt this jinx, as this award has lengthy eluded many African feminine acts.
The “Rush” hitmaker follows within the footsteps of Nigerian music stars Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022), who’ve beforehand received in the identical class. Stars like D’Banj, Davido, and Asake have additionally received a MOBO award, with 2Baba being the primary in 2007.
The Beninese-born singer triumphed over a star-studded listing of nominees, together with Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto.
Within the Greatest African Music Act class, she outshone fellow Nigerian artistes Asake, Tems, Bnxn & Ruger, King Promise (Ghana), Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, and South Africa’s Tyla and Uncle Waffles.
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A visibly emotional Ayra Starr took to the stage to obtain her award, delivering a heartfelt speech:
“That is my first MOBO. I’m truly shaking proper now. Thanks a lot to everybody who supported me—my group, my label MAVINS, and my household. This implies all the things to me. Thanks, MOBOs!” she mentioned.
The official MOBO X account celebrated her win, posting: “International star, unstoppable pressure! @ayrastarr took dwelling Greatest African Music Act on the #MOBOAwards – repping African music on the highest stage!”
🌎 A famous person lighting up the worldwide stage! Congratulations to @ayrastarr, winner of Greatest Worldwide Act #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/NxEE8vL1XT
— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 18, 2025
Ayra Starr’s victory follows the success of her 2024 sophomore album, ‘The 12 months I Turned 21,’ which earned two Grammy nominations and noticed her carry out at main festivals like Glastonbury. This 12 months, she’ll be part of Coldplay on their stadium tour.
Different notable winners
Different notable winners on the 2025 MOBO Awards included British-Nigerian rapper Darkoo, who received Greatest Feminine Act and Track of the 12 months for her hit ‘Favorite Woman’ ft. Dess Dior and Rema.
Rapper Central Cee made historical past by successful Greatest Male Act for the third time, tying with Stormzy as essentially the most embellished rapper in MOBO historical past. Rising Nigerian-British singer Odeal additionally had a giant night time, taking dwelling Greatest Newcomer and Greatest R&B/Soul Act, additional establishing himself as a contemporary expertise to observe.
Bashy’s ‘Being Poor Is Costly’ received Album of the 12 months, and the Greatest Media Character award went to the ‘90s Child Present podcast,’ identified for its participating takes on music and popular culture.
The occasion additionally honoured Denise Lewis with the ‘Paving the Manner’ award and Vybz Kartel with the Influence award.
These wins spotlight the MOBOs’ dedication to celebrating numerous expertise throughout Black music and tradition.
MOBO Awards
Based in 1996 by Kanya King, the MOBO Awards have been instrumental in recognising Black artists throughout genres, together with hip-hop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
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Through the years, the awards have celebrated icons comparable to Beyoncé, Rihanna, Sade, and Lionel Richie whereas offering a platform for rising stars.
She was honoured with a shock award and shared an emotional speech: “There was a time I believed I wouldn’t make it. Subsequent 12 months marks our thirtieth anniversary, and I wish to guarantee I’m there.”
MOBO 2025 Winners – FULL LIST
Greatest Male Act – Central Cee
Greatest Feminine Act – Darkoo
Greatest Newcomer – Odeal
Album of the 12 months – Bashy, Being Poor Is Costly
Track of the 12 months – Darkoo feat. Dess Dior, Favorite Woman
Video of the 12 months – Mnelia, My Man
Greatest Hip-Hop Act – Bashy
Greatest Grime Act – Scorcher
Greatest Drill Act – Pozer
Greatest R&B/Soul Act – Odeal
Greatest Media Character – 90s Child Present
Greatest African Music Act – Ayra Starr
Greatest Efficiency in a TV Present/Movie – Jacob Anderson (Interview With The Vampire)
Greatest Digital/Dance Music Act – TSHA
Greatest Gospel Act – Annatoria
Greatest Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
Greatest Producer – Juls
Greatest Caribbean Music Act – Shenseea
Greatest Various Music Act – ALT BLK ERA
Greatest Worldwide Act – Ayra Starr
MOBO Paving the Manner Award – Denise Lewis MBE
MOBO Influence Award – Vybz Kartel
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