Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has made history by winning the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, held on June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, USA. This marks her first-ever BET win, making her the latest Nigerian artist to shine on the global stage.
Ayra, 22, beat other strong contenders including fellow Nigerian Rema, South Africa’s Uncle Waffles, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and South African pop star Tyla to clinch the highly competitive award. Her victory was met with loud cheers from fans across Africa and the diaspora.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Ayra dedicated the award to young African girls who dare to dream big.
“This is for every African girl who was told she couldn’t. Your dreams are valid. Keep pushing,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.
Ayra Starr’s win adds her name to the growing list of Nigerian music stars who have received global recognition at the BET Awards. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Tems have previously won in the same category, each contributing to the international rise of Afrobeats and Nigerian music.
Burna Boy, in particular, made history by winning the Best International Act award four times — in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 — setting a record for Nigerian and African artists. Tems also made headlines in 2022 when she became the first Nigerian female artist to win the award, breaking barriers for women in the industry.
Ayra’s recent success is largely credited to her critically acclaimed album, The Year I Turned 21, which showcases her growth as an artist. The album features hit singles like Commas and Rhythm & Blues, where she blends Afrobeats rhythms with R\&B style and rich storytelling.
The album has received praise for its bold sound, catchy hooks, and honest lyrics, earning Ayra a strong following among both African and international fans. Her confidence, creative direction, and unique sound have set her apart as one of the leading voices in Gen Z Afrobeats music.
Ayra Starr, signed to Mavin Records, first gained public attention in 2021 with her self-titled debut EP and the smash single Away. Since then, she has risen steadily in the industry, performing at global festivals and collaborating with international artists.
Her BET win is seen by many as another major step for Nigerian music, which has been growing rapidly across the world over the past decade. The genre’s expansion into mainstream markets, especially in the US and UK, has opened doors for new artists like Ayra to shine globally.
Fans and fellow artists took to social media to celebrate her win, praising her talent, work ethic, and humility. Many also pointed out how her win reflects the increasing influence of young Nigerian women in music — a trend that continues to break barriers and redefine the global music scene.
The BET Awards, launched in 2001, celebrate Black excellence in music, sports, and entertainment. The Best International Act category was introduced to highlight talents outside the US, especially from Africa and Europe.
As Ayra Starr basks in her latest achievement, she joins a powerful generation of Nigerian artists using their music to inspire, uplift, and change the narrative for African talent across the world.
