Nigerian singer Ayra Starr secured two major wins at the 2025 MOBO Awards, held on Wednesday in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The prestigious event, which celebrates “music of Black origin,” honored Starr with the ‘Best International Act’ award, making her the first African female artist to win the category. She also claimed the ‘Best African Music Act’ award, marking the first time in 16 years that a female artist has won in that category.
Other notable winners at the event included Nigerian-British rapper Darkoo, who won ‘Best Female Act,’ while Central Cee was named ‘Best Male Act.’ The popular podcast 90s Baby Show received the award for ‘Best Media Personality,’ and Nigerian-born singer Odeal was honored as ‘Best Newcomer.’
Ayra Starr’s Rise to Fame
Born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr shot to stardom in 2021 with her hit single Bloody Samaritan under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records. Since then, she has solidified her status as one of Africa’s most influential artists, earning multiple awards and nominations for her contributions to the music industry.
Full List of 2025 MOBO Awards Winners:
Best Male Act
Winner: Central Cee
Bashy
D-Block Europe
Ghetts
Nemzzz
Sampha
Best Female Act
Winner: Darkoo
Cleo Sol
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Nia Archives
Raye
Album of the Year
Winner: Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive
Cleo Sol – Gold
Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose
Jorja Smith – Falling or Flying
Sampha – Lahai
Skrapz – Reflection
Song of the Year
Winner: Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – “Favourite Girl”
Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – “Band4Band”
Chase & Status, Stormzy – “Backbone”
Jordan Adetunji – “Kehlani”
Leostaytrill – “Pink Lemonade”
Odeal – “Soh-soh”
Best Newcomer
Winner: Odeal
Chy Cartier
Elmiene
Fimiguerrero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Adetunji
Len
Leostaytrill
Myles Smith
Pozer
Video of the Year
Winner: Mnelia – “My Man” (Directed by Femi Bello)
Meekz – “Mini Me’s”
Raye – “Genesis”
Sampha – “Only”
Skepta – “Gas Me Up (Diligent)”
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – “Hocus Pocus”
Best R&B/Soul Act
Winner: Odeal
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best Alternative Music Act
Winner: ALT BLK ERA
Bob Vylan
Hak Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
Best Grime Act
Winner: Scorcher
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Kruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
Best Hip-Hop Act
Winner: Bashy
Cristale
Headie One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best Drill Act
🏆 Winner: Pozer
163Margs
Central Cee
Headie One
Kairo Keyz
K-Trap
Best International Act
Winner: Ayra Starr
Asake
Beyoncé
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion
Nicki Minaj
Tems
Tyla
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film
Winner: Jacob Anderson as Louis – Interview With The Vampire
Angela Wynter – Eastenders
Caroline Chikezie – Power Book II: Ghost
Diane Parish – Eastenders
Dionne Brown – Queenie
Ghetts – Supacell
Jasmine Jobson – Top Boy
Josh Tedeku – Supacell
Kingsley Ben-Adir – Bob Marley: One Love
Tosin Cole – Supacell
Best Media Personality
Winner: 90s Baby Show
AJ Odudu
Chuckie Online
Craig Mitch
Henrie Kwushue
Madame Joyce
Micah Richards
Specs Gonzalez
The Receipts Podcast
Zeze Millz
Best African Music Act
Winner: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Asake (Nigeria)
Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Caribbean Music Act
Winner: Shenseea
Popcaan
Skillibeng
Spice
Valiant
YG Marley
Best Jazz Act
Winner: Ezra Collective
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Lab Beats
Ego Ella May
Kokoroko
Yussef Dayes
Best Electronic/Dance Act
Winner: Tsha
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
PinkPantheress
Salute
Shygirl
Best Producer
Winner: Juls
Ceebeaats
Inflo
M1onthebeat
P2j
Sammy Soso
Best Gospel Act
Winner: Annatoria
Imrhan
Limoblaze
Reblah
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Ye
