Ayra Starr, a Nigerian artist, shared first place at the 2025 MOBO Awards, which took place Tuesday night in Newcastle’s Utilita Arena.

At the glamorous gala, the Mavin singer won two awards: Best International Act and Best African Act.

She defeated music titans Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, Asake, and Tyla to win Best International Act.

In addition, she became the first female winner of the Best African Act category in sixteen years, defeating Asake, Rema, Tems, Burna Boy, and Tyla.

For a record-breaking third consecutive year, British rapper Central Cee won Best Male Act, making him the joint most decorated rapper in MOBO history.

Darkoo, a British-Nigerian singer, defeated RAYE, Jorja Smith, Little Simz, Cleo Sol, and Nia Archives to win Best Female Act.