Ayra Starr Makes History as First Nigerian Woman to Win BET’s Best International Act
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr just secured a groundbreaking victory at the 2025 BET Awards, forever etching her name into global music history. At the star-studded ceremony held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre and hosted by Kevin Hart, Ayra broke barriers by becoming the first Nigerian woman to ever win the Best International Act award — a major milestone for African artists worldwide.
A Fierce Competition, A Stunning Victory
Ayra was up against a powerhouse lineup of international stars spanning the UK, Brazil, South Africa, France, and her Afrobeats peer Rema. Despite stiff competition, the Nigerian superstar emerged victorious, demonstrating the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats on the global stage.
Though she was also nominated for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist, it was her win as Best International Act that truly stole the spotlight — a moment many are calling historic and long overdue.
More Read
Roc Nation Sparks Buzz Over Possible Collaboration
Her monumental win didn’t just capture the attention of fans; it sparked major industry chatter as well. Roc Nation, Jay-Z’s entertainment powerhouse, took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly congratulate Ayra, fueling speculation about a possible new partnership.
Fans quickly linked this potential move to Roc Nation’s previous collaborations with Nigerian music icons, including Don Jazzy of Mavin Records and Jay Electronica’s work. Could Ayra be the next Nigerian star to join Jay-Z’s elite roster? Only time will tell, but the buzz is already electric.
The Night’s Controversy: Backstage Snub Ignites Debate
Despite the historic win, not everything about Ayra’s night was celebratory. Unlike most winners who receive their awards onstage before the live audience, Ayra was handed her trophy offstage, a move that reignited ongoing criticism about how African artists are treated at major global award shows.
This backstage snub echoes earlier controversies, including a similar experience for Nigerian megastar Wizkid, who famously called such treatment “rubbish” years ago.
Ayra’s Fight for Respect and Recognition
Ayra has never shied away from demanding respect for her craft and African artistry. In 2023, after the Headies quietly handed her the Best Female Act award post-ceremony, she spoke out, tweeting, “We didn’t deserve such nonchalance!”
Her BET Awards win—despite the backstage delivery—is a powerful assertion of her talent and an important moment for every African artist striving for global recognition.
What This Win Means for Nigerian and African Music
Ayra Starr’s triumph signals more than just personal success; it marks a cultural breakthrough for Nigerian music and the entire African continent. Afrobeats continues to dominate international charts, and with stars like Ayra leading the charge, the genre’s global influence only grows stronger.
Industry insiders say this moment will inspire more international collaborations and opportunities for African artists, pushing them closer to equal footing on the world stage.
What’s Next for Ayra Starr?
With her star on the rise, fans are eagerly watching for what’s next. Could we see her ink a Roc Nation deal? Will she drop new music that crosses even bigger global boundaries? One thing’s clear — Ayra Starr is a force reshaping the face of music, and the world is paying attention.
What do you think about Ayra Starr’s historic BET win and the backstage controversy? Drop your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more exclusive updates on Ayra Starr and global entertainment news.
