Ayra Starr Makes History as Youngest Nigerian to Win BET Best International Act

Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has etched her name in the annals of global music history after winning the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, held on the night of Monday, June 9, at the prestigious Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, United States. The 22-year-old superstar beat an impressive list of nominees from across the globe, including fellow Nigerian Rema, South Africa’s Tyla, and Ghana’s Black Sherif, to clinch one of the night’s most coveted international honours. Her win places her alongside Nigerian music icons such as Wizkid and Burna Boy, but with a unique distinction — Ayra Starr is now the youngest Nigerian to ever win in that category.

The atmosphere in the Peacock Theatre was electric as fans, industry stakeholders, and fellow artists gathered to celebrate excellence in Black entertainment. As the announcement of Ayra Starr’s win rang through the venue, an eruption of cheers followed, affirming the love and admiration the global music community has for the young star whose hit single “Rush” catapulted her to international fame. Dressed in a dazzling ensemble that turned heads on the red carpet, Ayra Starr ascended the stage with a mix of shock and grace, delivering a heartfelt speech that celebrated African music, youth empowerment, and the journey that brought her from Lagos to Los Angeles.

Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr was signed to Mavin Records in 2020 and quickly established herself as a force to reckon with, combining bold vocals with a distinctive Afropop sound that resonates far beyond the African continent. Her win at the 2025 BET Awards is not only a personal victory but a national milestone that underscores Nigeria’s continued dominance in global music. It also reflects the growing appetite for diverse sounds on the international stage, with Afrobeats now a staple in global playlists and music festivals.

The night, however, wasn’t just about Ayra Starr. American rap heavyweight Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home five major awards, including Album of the Year for “GNX,” Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for “Not Like Us.” His collaboration with SZA on “Luther” also earned him Best Collaboration, while he and Dave Free were jointly awarded Video Director of the Year. Lamar’s dominance on the winners’ list was expected but still impressive, showcasing the staying power of his artistry in an evolving musical landscape.

Other notable winners included SZA, who won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Chris Brown, who clinched Best Male R&B/Pop Artist as well as the Viewer’s Choice Award for “Residuals.” Doechii took home Best Female Hip Hop Artist, while Leon Thomas won Best New Artist. The acting categories saw Denzel Washington and Cynthia Erivo taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress awards respectively, while the Best Movie title went to “Luther: Never Too Much.” Meanwhile, the Young Stars Award was given to Blue Ivy Carter, who continues to capture public fascination with her early accomplishments and star power.

Ayra Starr’s triumph was undoubtedly the highlight for African music lovers. Social media erupted moments after the announcement, with fans flooding timelines with celebratory messages, gifs, and videos of the winning moment. The hashtag #AyraStarrBET2025 quickly began trending globally, and congratulatory messages poured in from fellow artists, influencers, and even political figures. Her win has been hailed as a victory for the new generation of Nigerian artists, many of whom are finding success by blending traditional sounds with futuristic production and unapologetically youthful energy.

The magnitude of this accomplishment becomes even more significant when considering the caliber of competition. Tyla, who had a massive breakout year and won the 2024 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, was seen as a frontrunner. Rema, whose “Calm Down” remix with Selena Gomez became a global smash hit, was also a strong contender. Yet, Ayra Starr’s consistency, unique voice, and global appeal ultimately carried her to the top.

As the youngest Nigerian to secure a BET Best International Act win, Ayra Starr has shattered ceilings and rewritten expectations for what young African artists can achieve on the world stage. In a post-show interview, she expressed her gratitude to her fans, her team at Mavin Records, and her family. “This isn’t just my win,” she said, “it’s for every young African girl who dreams beyond borders, who believes she’s more than what society tells her. We are magic, and the world is watching.”

Industry experts believe that this victory could serve as a springboard for even greater achievements. With a growing global fanbase, endorsement deals, and upcoming tour dates in Europe and North America, Ayra Starr is poised to take her place among the top-tier global acts of her generation. Music critics have praised her ability to remain authentic while pushing sonic boundaries — a blend that has clearly resonated with both African and international audiences.

Back in Nigeria, celebration parties have already sprung up in her honour, and several local radio and TV stations have launched special broadcasts dedicated to her music and journey. Her alma mater and several youth-focused organisations have also issued statements of pride and congratulations, reinforcing her role as a symbol of possibility and aspiration.

Ayra Starr’s win at the 2025 BET Awards is more than just a trophy on a shelf. It is a cultural landmark, a powerful affirmation of African talent on the world stage, and a sign that the global music industry is rapidly evolving. As more eyes turn toward the continent for the next big sound, Ayra Starr stands at the forefront, a shining star leading a new generation of artists who are not just participating in the global conversation — they’re defining it.