Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has etched her name in the annals of global music history by winning the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act.
At just 22, the Mavin Records star emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive category that featured top African talents including Tyla from South Africa, fellow Nigerian Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif.
The award was announced during a dazzling ceremony held Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, where the event’s high-energy host, Kevin Hart, led the celebration of Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.
This win marks a milestone in Ayra Starr’s BET journey. She was previously nominated for Best New International Act in 2022, Best International Act in 2023, and the BET Her Award in 2024. Her chart-topping single, Rush, also earned platinum certification in the UK, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s brightest musical exports.
While Ayra Starr made headlines for her historic win, the night’s biggest haul belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who swept four major categories: Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for Not Like Us, and Best Collaboration with SZA on Luther.
Other standout winners included:
SZA – Best Female R&B/Pop Artist
Chris Brown – Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and Viewer’s Choice Award
Cynthia Erivo – Best Actress
Denzel Washington – Best Actor
Blue Ivy Carter – YoungStars Award
Angel Reese – Sportswoman of the Year
Jalen Hurts – Sportsman of the Year
Ayra Starr’s triumph not only adds to her growing list of accolades but also reinforces the global appeal of Afrobeats and Africa’s expanding influence on the world stage.
