2025 BET Awards Sees Ayra Starr Take Home Best International Act

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has won the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a significant milestone for Afrobeats globally. The 21-year-old Afrobeats star received her first-ever BET Award Monday night at the Peacock Theatre.

Ayra Starr led all African nominees with three nominations, including Best Female R&B/Pop and Best New Artist. Although she didn’t take home the awards in those categories, her victory in the international category is a testament to the growing recognition of African artists on the global stage.

The ceremony was dominated by American acts, with Kendrick Lamar sweeping up five major awards. Other notable winners included Chris Brown, who took home Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, and Doechii for Best Female Hip-hop Artist.

Ayra Starr’s win is a standout moment for Nigerian artists, who had several nominees at the ceremony. Tems, known for her soulful voice, was nominated twice in the BET Her category, while Shallipopi, recognised for his street-hop sound, was nominated for Best New International Act. Rema, another Nigerian artist, was nominated for Best International Act, but Ayra Starr took the award.

In addition, Roc Nation has congratulated Ayra Starr on her win on their official X account. This congratulations comes with a couple of speculations. Whether Ayra Starr is changing record labels and management. Roc Nation is responsible for signing major artists like Rihanna. It is all speculation

The 2025 BET Awards highlighted the current state of social activism, with rapper Doechii using her acceptance speech for Best Female Hip Hop Artist to draw attention to ongoing protests outside the venue. Find the complete winners list here.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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