Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has won the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards. The 22-year-old singer beat out strong contenders Tyla from South Africa, Rema from Nigeria, and Black Sherif from Ghana to take home the coveted award.
Furthermore, the BET Awards ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrates Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture. Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the event, bringing his signature humor and wit to the stage.
Ayra Starr’s win marks a significant milestone in her career, following her debut nomination in 2022. She has since earned nods in several categories, including Best New International Act, Best International Act, and BET Her Award.
The 2025 BET Awards saw Kendrick Lamar emerge as the night’s biggest winner, taking home four major awards: Album of the Year for “GNX,” Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Luther.”
In the same vein, other notable winners included SZA, Chris Brown, Future & Metro Boomin, and Doechii. The ceremony also honored excellence in film, with Cynthia Erivo and Denzel Washington winning Best Actress and Best Actor, respectively.
Ayra Starr’s victory is a testament to the growing global influence of Afrobeats and Nigerian music. Her achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of the power of music to transcend borders and cultures.
