Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr has won the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a major career milestone for the 22-year-old Afrobeats sensation.
The ceremony, which took place on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, recognised leading Black talent across music, film, and sports.
Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the event brought together some of the industry’s biggest names.
Ayra Starr’s win is her first at the BET Awards, after receiving nominations in previous years without taking home the prize.
She edged out a competitive field of nominees, including Ghana’s Black Sherif, fellow Nigerian star Rema, South Africa’s Tyla and Uncle Waffles, and other top international acts.
While she triumphed in one category, Ayra Starr fell short in two others. The Best New Artist award went to American singer Leon Thomas, and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist was claimed by SZA.
Nigerian singer Tems, who had earned two nominations in the BET Her category for her contributions to music highlighting women’s empowerment, lost out to Summer Walker.
Ayra Starr, known for hits like Rush and Sability, has been at the forefront of a new wave of Afrobeats artists breaking into global markets.
