Nigerian music sensation, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, famously known as Ayra Starr, has achieved a groundbreaking feat at the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle, United Kingdom, securing two prestigious titles.
Founded in 1996 by ‘Kanya King,’ the annual event, which honors excellence in ‘Music of Black origin,’ recognized Ayra Starr as the ‘Best International Act,’ making her the first African female to win the award.
Ayra Starr also earned the ‘Best African Music Act’ title, becoming the first woman to claim the honor in 16 years.
She further outshined global heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Latto in the international category.
The event, hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, was a grand celebration of Black music and culture.
Following her win, the official MOBO social media handle praised her achievement, calling her a “global star” and an “unstoppable force.”
A post on the official MOBO X account reads: “Global star, unstoppable force! @ayrastarr took home Best African Music Act at the #MOBOAwards repping African music at the highest level!.”
With this victory, Ayra Starr joins the ranks of Nigerian music icons Wizkid and Burna Boy, who have previously won the Best International Act award at the MOBOs.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Ayra Starr expressed gratitude to her supporters.
“Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this 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.”
Ayra Starr
As news of her win spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to congratulate Ayra Starr on her achievement, praising her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft.
“Ayra Starr well deserved she has been so hard working. Plenty love ❤️and kisses 😘 to you super woman.”
@men_like_bunch
“She looks classy when she covers up. She should do that more often.”
@chibarbie_dolle
“Who ever advices Ayra Starr to maintain this hairdo, that person deserves a lifetime award. She now looks like the lady of her dreams that the world would never have enough of.”
@ugoawa_ig
“Congratulations Ayra 👏. Nigerians are super talented. Another day to remind yourself not to give up on your dreams. They will become a reality, don’t just give up.”
@lavivzika_ent
“Our girls are making us proud.”
@theycloneemwanta
Ayra Starr Hints at Collaboration With Burna Boy, Rihanna
The Nigerian singer noted that she would like to collaborate with Grammy award-winner Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, and Babardian singer Robyn Rihanna Fenty, also known as Rihanna.
According to the ‘Rush’ hitmaker, it is her current plan and she prays it happens soon. She made this statement during an interview with journalists after she won the Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.
The 22-year-old has done well for herself in the industry over the years. She has been nominated for several awards and has won some.
She has also carved a name for herself with her fashion taste and often rocks short outfits. The music star has an impressive fan base who support her work.
Netizens reacted to Ayra Starr’s hinted collaboration with Rihanna and Burna-Boy.
“She’s said this consistently you just know Burna one of her goats. Hope she gets that collabo. I need a sol to be rich.”
@Thatoutsider1
“It’s normal to want a collabo with Burna. Burna is that good and big. Are you kidding me. He is the current most streamed african artist in UK and US. Burna is currently the biggest artist in Africa.”
@Kelvin84729868
“Ayra Starr reveals she has had Burna Boy’s ‘I Told Them…’ album on repeat since release. I’ve been listening to Burna Boy’s new album on repeat.”
@AlbumTalksHQ
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