Afrobeats superstar Ayra Starr has won the award for Best International Act at this year’s MOBO Awards, which celebrates achievements in "music of Black origins."
Her victory breaks a 16-year streak during which many female artists from Africa have been overlooked for this honor. Starr triumphed in a competitive category that included nominees such as South African pop-piano sensation Tyla, American artists Kendrick Lamar and Megan Thee Stallion, as well as two-time Grammy winner Tems.
This win comes after a successful year for Starr, who released her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, and received two Grammy nominations. She has also toured internationally, performing at prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and is set to support the iconic British pop-rock band Coldplay on their upcoming stadium tour.
Starr’s MOBO win further solidifies her growing influence in the music industry and marks a significant milestone in her journey as an artist.
Over the years, Nigerian stars have made significant contributions at the MOBO Awards. In 2007, Tuface Idibia became the first Nigerian to win the Best African Act category. In 2009, Nigerian-German musician Nneka received the award for Best International Act.
The kokomaster, D’banj, won the Best African Act award in 2012. Grammy-winning Afrobeat star Wizkid took home the Best International Act award in 2016 and the Best African Act award in 2020.
In 2017, Davido won the Best African Act award. Burna Boy achieved the Best International Act award in 2020 and also secured the Best African Act award. In 2024, Asake won the award for Best African Act, while Limoblaze made history as the first Nigerian gospel artist to win the Best Gospel Act award.
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