LOS ANGELES, USA — Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has claimed the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, becoming the latest African artist to achieve global recognition at the prestigious ceremony.
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter received her inaugural BET trophy during Sunday, June 8, 2025’s event at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Starr triumphed over a competitive field including fellow Nigerian artist Rema, South Africa’s Tyla, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles.
In her acceptance speech, the rising star dedicated the award to aspiring young women across Africa, stating: “This is for every African girl dreaming big. Keep believing in your magic.”
The victory places Starr among an elite group of Nigerian musicians who have previously won the category, including Burna Boy (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), Tems (2022), Davido (2018), and Wizkid (2017).
Her win continues Nigeria’s dominance in the Best International Act category, with Nigerian artists having claimed the honour seven times in the past eight years.
Industry analysts attribute Starr’s success to her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, which has been praised for its innovative fusion of Afrobeats rhythms with contemporary R&B.
Tracks like Commas and Rhythm & Blues have demonstrated her artistic evolution, combining tighter songwriting with harder-hitting hooks.
Burna Boy remains the most decorated Nigerian act in BET Awards history, with four Best International Act wins.
Tems made history in 2022 as the first Nigerian woman to claim the prize, while Wizkid and Davido have cemented their status as global Afrobeats ambassadors through multiple nominations and wins.
Starr’s victory comes amid growing international recognition for West African music, particularly among Generation Z audiences.
The singer, who signed with Mavin Records in 2019, has seen her streaming numbers surge by 240% globally since the album’s release in March.
