Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, has become the first woman to win best African music act at the MOBO Awards in 16 years.

The Nigerian star also took home the best international Music Act award at the ceremony held in Newcastle.

The awards show was founded in 1996 and celebrates black culture and music in UK.

The 22-year-old Nigerian singer clinched the award, by beating co- Nigerians Asake and Tems and also South Africa’s Tyla.

Ayra Starr also beat stars like Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Nicky Ming, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRRilla, and Latoo.

Ayra Starr (2025) joins Wizkid (2017, 2021) and Burna Boy (2020, 2022) as the only Nigerian artists to have won the MOBO Award for Best International Act.