Ayra Starr Makes History as First Nigerian Woman to Win Best International Act at BET Awards 2025

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has carved her name into music history by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to win the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards.

The ceremony, held at the prestigious Peacock Theatre and hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, featured a star-studded lineup and an electrifying atmosphere.

Ayra Starr emerged victorious in a highly competitive category that included global talents such as Tyla (South Africa), Black Sherif (Ghana), Rema (Nigeria), Uncle Waffles (Swaziland), Ezra Collective (UK), and Any Gabrielly (Brazil), among others.

Although nominated in two other categories: Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist, Starr’s win in the international category marked a significant milestone, not only for her career but also for representation of Nigerian women on global award platforms. She now joins the ranks of previous Nigerian winners like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.

Highlights from the 2025 BET Awards

While Ayra Starr’s historic win took center stage in the international spotlight, Kendrick Lamar dominated the evening with four wins, including Album of the Year for GNX and Best Male Hip Hop Artist. Other major winners of the night included SZA, Chris Brown, Doechii, Leon Thomas, and Cynthia Erivo.

Below is a breakdown of the major award winners:

Album of the Year

Winner: GNX — Kendrick Lamar

Nominees: Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Drake & Partynextdoor, Doechii, Future & Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, GloRilla

Best International Act

Winner: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

Nominees: Rema (Nigeria), Tyla (South Africa), Black Sherif (Ghana), Ezra Collective (UK), Any Gabrielly (Brazil), others

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

Winner: SZA

Nominees: Ayra Starr, Coco Jones, Summer Walker, Victoria Monét, and more

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

Winner: Chris Brown

Nominees: Bruno Mars, Drake, The Weeknd, Usher, and others

Best Collaboration

Winner: “Luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

Winner: Doechii

Video of the Year

Winner: “Not Like Us” — Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist

Winner: Leon Thomas

Nominees included Ayra Starr, BigXthaPlug, Dee Billz, and others

Best Movie

Winner: Luther: Never Too Much

Young Stars Award

Winner: Blue Ivy Carter

Sportswoman of the Year

Winner: Angel Reese

Sportsman of the Year

Winner: Jalen Hurts