On June 9, 2025, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr made history at the BET Awards, clinching the coveted Best International Act award at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The 21-year-old singer, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, outshone a competitive lineup that included global talents like Tyla (South Africa), Rema (Nigeria), Black Sherif (Ghana), and Uncle Waffles (eSwatini). Her victory marks her first-ever BET Award, solidifying her position as a leading voice in the global Afrobeats movement.
Ayra Starr’s 2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal. Leading up to the BET Awards, she secured three nominations: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. Her win in the Best International Act category underscores her growing influence, not just in Africa but across the global music scene. The Mavin Records star, known for hits like Rush and Bloody Samaritan, has been redefining Afrobeats with her smoky vocals, genre-blending style, and relatable lyricism.
Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, released in 2024, showcased her evolution as an artist. Tracks like Commas and Rhythm & Blues fuse Afrobeats with R&B and amapiano, earning her critical acclaim and a massive global fanbase. Her ability to blend West African rhythms with universal themes of self-love, resilience, and vulnerability has resonated with Gen Z audiences worldwide.
The BET Awards 2025, hosted by Kevin Hart and broadcast live on BET, celebrated 25 years of honoring Black excellence in music, film, television, and sports. Ayra’s win was a highlight of the evening, with fans on X erupting in excitement. Posts described her as “Afrobeats’ It-Girl” and a “global force,” with one user declaring, “Ayra Starr takes home her very first BET Award, claiming the crown!”
Ayra’s performance at the ceremony was electrifying, blending her signature energy with a vibrant stage presence. Her set included a medley of hits, showcasing her versatility and reinforcing why she’s a standout in the Best International Act category. The BET Voting Academy, comprised of industry professionals, recognized her contributions to music and culture, cementing her as a trailblazer for African artists on the global stage.
Ayra Starr’s victory is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the growing influence of African music worldwide. Over the years, Nigerian artists like Burna Boy (who won Best International Act in 2019 and 2021) and Tems (2022) have paved the way, but Ayra’s win signals the rise of a new generation. Her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and pop, paired with her bold fashion and unapologetic Nigerian identity, makes her a cultural icon for young Africans and the diaspora.
In her acceptance speech, Ayra expressed gratitude to her fans, team, and family, emphasizing the importance of African music’s global resonance. “This is for every African girl dreaming big,” she said, dedicating her win to those pushing boundaries in music and culture. Her words echoed the sentiment of BET International’s Monde Twala, who praised the 2025 nominees for “shaping culture and pushing boundaries.”
Ayra Starr has been a consistent force at the BET Awards since 2022, earning nominations across multiple categories. Her recognition began with Best New International Act (2022), followed by Best International Act (2023). In 2024, she was nominated for the BET Her Award for her hit 'Commas,' and in 2025, she secured nods for Best New Artist, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Best International Act—further cementing her global impact.
The night belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who emerged as the biggest winner at the 2025 BET Awards, taking home four prestigious trophies. The rap icon claimed- Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for his explosive diss track "Not Like Us", Best Collaboration with SZA for their electrifying single "Luther".
List of Winners at the Bet Awards 2025
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
- Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
- Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Best International Act – Ayra Starr
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
- Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
- Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
- Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
- Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
- Best Actor – Denzel Washington
- YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
- Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
- Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese (Basketball)
- Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts (Football)
- BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
- Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
- Best International Act – Ayra Starr
- Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” — Chris Brown
With her BET Award win, Ayra Starr is poised for even greater heights. Rumors of collaborations with American R&B stars and South African house producers hint at an exciting future for her music. Her upcoming projects promise to push the boundaries of Afrobeats further, blending genres and cultures while staying true to her Nigerian roots. As she prepares to join Coldplay on their 2025 stadium tour, Ayra is not just a star—she’s a movement.
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