NIGERIAN singer Ayra Starr has become the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards. She also took home the Best Female Act award, marking another first for the prestigious UK event celebrating Black music.
The awards ceremony, held in Newcastle, England, honoured top artists across various genres, with Ayra Starr acknowledging her emotional win.
Ayra Starr’s reaction
During her acceptance speech, the Mavin Records star expressed her gratitude: ‘This is amazing. This is my first MOBO, and the first time I am winning a MOBO Award. I’m shaking right now, I’m nervous.
‘Thank you to everyone who has supported me—my team, my incredible Mobstars, my amazing brother whom I make music with, the producers in the studio, my studio partners-in-crime, and my label, Mavin Records. Shout out to my mum!’
Central Cee breaks MOBO record
UK rapper Central Cee also made history, becoming the first artist to win Best Male Act three times, according to Reuters. He now ties with Stormzy as the most awarded rapper in MOBO history.
MOBO founder Kanya King honoured amid cancer battle
The MOBO Awards, founded by Kanya King, have been a pillar for Black music since 1996. King, who took a loan against her house to launch the awards, received a special recognition award at this year’s event.
Despite being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, King attended the ceremony and gave an emotional speech, saying:
‘There was a time I thought I wouldn’t make it. Next year marks our 30th anniversary, and I want to be there for it.’
MOBO 2025 winners – full list
- Best Male Act – Central Cee
- Best Female Act – Darkoo
- Best Newcomer – Odeal
- Album of the Year – Bashy, Being Poor Is Expensive
- Song of the Year – Darkoo feat. Dess Dior, Favourite Girl
- Video of the Year – Mnelia, My Man
- Best Hip-Hop Act – Bashy
- Best Grime Act – Scorcher
- Best Drill Act – Pozer
- Best R&B/Soul Act – Odeal
- Best Media Personality – 90s Baby Show
- Best African Music Act – Ayra Starr
- Best Performance in a TV Show/Film – Jacob Anderson (Interview With The Vampire)
- Best Electronic/Dance Music Act – TSHA
- Best Gospel Act – Annatoria
- Best Jazz Act – Ezra Collective
- Best Producer – Juls
- Best Caribbean Music Act – Shenseea
- Best Alternative Music Act – ALT BLK ERA
- Best International Act – Ayra Starr
- MOBO Paving the Way Award – Denise Lewis MBE
- MOBO Impact Award – Vybz Kartel
The MOBO Awards continue to celebrate Black artists and shape the future of music.
