Ayra Starr Makes History, Wins Best International Act at 2025 BET Awards
Nigerian Afro-pop sensation Ayra Starr etched her name in the history books at the 2025 BET Awards, clinching the Best International Act award in a landmark victory that has resonated across Africa and beyond.
The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, marked the 25th anniversary of the BET Awards and featured a night of star-studded performances and emotional tributes.
Hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart, the show celebrated Black excellence in music, film, and sports.
Ayra Starr’s win is significant for several reasons. At just 22, she becomes the youngest Nigerian artist to ever win the Best International Act category.
More notably, she is the first Nigerian female artist to receive the award — a milestone that many in the industry see as a pivotal moment for African women in global music.
Competing against a strong list of nominees — including Tyla (South Africa), Rema (Nigeria), Black Sherif (Ghana), Uncle Waffles (Eswatini), and Any Gabrielly (Brazil) — Ayra Starr emerged as the standout choice, cementing her growing reputation as one of Africa’s most dynamic musical exports.
Her breakout hit “Rush,” which earned her international acclaim, along with a steady rise in global streaming numbers and major festival appearances, has made Ayra one of the continent’s most compelling voices in contemporary Afrobeat and pop music.
In her acceptance speech, Starr dedicated the award to young African girls, saying, “This is for every young girl back home dreaming of a global stage. Your voice matters — and your time is coming.”
This year’s BET Awards were largely dominated by American artists, with Kendrick Lamar sweeping several major categories, including Album of the Year, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, and Video of the Year.
Other notable winners included SZA (Best Female R&B/Pop Artist), Chris Brown, Doechii, and Leon Thomas. Legendary actor Denzel Washington was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Cynthia Erivo received the Shine A Light Award for her humanitarian work.
Despite the heavy U.S. presence in the winners’ list, Ayra Starr stood out as the only African artist to win a trophy this year — further underlining the significance of her victory not just for Nigeria, but for the continent as a whole.
Her win adds to a legacy of Nigerian acts who have shone on the BET stage, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, D’banj, and 2Baba.
However, her achievement as the first Nigerian woman to take home the award signals a new era for representation in global music.
Ayra Starr’s 2025 BET Award win is more than a personal triumph — it’s a cultural moment that affirms the rise of young, African female artists on the world stage.
