Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has once again placed her country and the African continent on the global map by clinching the coveted Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards. The prestigious ceremony, which celebrates Black excellence in music, film, and culture, took place on Monday, June 9, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, United States.
The 22-year-old singer, best known for her global hit single “Rush,” emerged victorious in a category packed with some of the biggest international names in contemporary music. She edged out fellow nominees including South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and several other top African and European acts to claim the award.
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2021 under Mavin Records, one of Africa’s leading record labels founded by veteran producer Don Jazzy. With her self-titled debut EP and subsequent album “19 & Dangerous,” Ayra Starr quickly established herself as one of the most exciting voices in Afrobeats, known for her distinctive vocals, bold style, and relatable lyrics.
Her breakout single “Rush” became an international anthem, earning her chart positions on global streaming platforms, radio airplay across continents, and millions of fans worldwide. The song’s success cemented her status as a global pop star and set the stage for her historic BET Awards victory.
Ayra Starr’s win is particularly remarkable as she now holds the title of the youngest Nigerian artist to win the Best International Act category at the BET Awards. She joins an elite group of past Nigerian winners, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have each made significant contributions to exporting Afrobeat and African music to the world.
Speaking after receiving the award, an emotional Ayra Starr thanked her fans, family, and Mavin Records for their unwavering support. “This is not just my win; this is for every young African girl who dares to dream,” she said. “I’m so proud to represent Nigeria and Africa on this stage. Thank you BET for giving us a platform to shine.”
The 2025 BET Awards, hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart, was a star-studded affair celebrating outstanding achievements in entertainment over the past year. The night belonged to American rap legend Kendrick Lamar, who led the winners’ list with five awards, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Lyricist of the Year.
Other big winners included GloRilla, who snagged Best New Artist, and SZA, who took home Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. The event featured electrifying performances from industry heavyweights such as Lil Wayne, Playboi Carti, Leon Thomas, and Teyana Taylor.
Amidst the glamour, the event also became a platform for social commentary. Artists like Doechii used their moments on stage to address pressing social issues, particularly the ongoing protests and military crackdowns in Los Angeles sparked by immigration raids. The charged atmosphere did little to dim the night’s celebration of culture and creativity, with Ayra Starr’s win providing a bright spot for African music lovers worldwide.
Since her introduction to mainstream audiences, Ayra Starr has built a reputation for being fearless, genre-bending, and boundary-breaking. With influences ranging from R&B and neo-soul to Afrobeat and pop, her music resonates with a wide demographic of listeners. She has graced the covers of international magazines, collaborated with global superstars, and performed on stages from Lagos to London.
Her growing discography, which includes hits like “Bloody Samaritan,” “Away,” and “Sability,” reflects themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and youthful exuberance. Ayra Starr represents a new generation of African artists who are not just chasing success at home but are also determined to make a mark on the global stage.
Ayra Starr’s BET Award win signals an exciting new chapter in her career and for the wider Afrobeats movement. As African music continues to gain ground internationally, artists like her are leading the charge, using their voices and artistry to showcase the continent’s diversity and talent.
Fans and industry insiders alike have taken to social media to congratulate the young star, praising her for carrying the Nigerian and African flags high. Industry veteran Don Jazzy posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Congratulations @ayrastarr! The world is yours, and we are so proud of you.”
With new music, international collaborations, and upcoming tours on the horizon, Ayra Starr shows no signs of slowing down. Her BET Awards triumph is not just a personal milestone but a symbol of Africa’s growing influence in global pop culture.
As Ayra Starr herself said in her acceptance speech, “This is just the beginning.”
