Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has been named Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, held on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The 22-year-old star emerged victorious in a highly competitive category, beating out notable artists such as South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif.
Her win marks a significant milestone in her meteoric rise on the global music scene.
The BET Awards, renowned for celebrating Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture, returned this year with comedian Kevin Hart as host. Hart, who previously hosted the event in 2011, opened the night with his signature humor and bold commentary, delivering playful jabs at pop culture figures including Kanye West.
Ayra Starr’s latest win is the culmination of a steady rise since her debut BET nomination in 2022. Over the years, she has received nods in several categories, including Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), the BET Her Award (2024) for her hit single “Commas”, and three nominations this year alone.
The 2025 ceremony also saw rapper Kendrick Lamar dominate the night, securing four major wins:
- Album of the Year for GNX
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- Video of the Year for Not Like Us
- Best Collaboration with SZA for Luther
Full List of 2025 BET Awards Winners:
- Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
- Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
- Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
- Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
- Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
- Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
- Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
- Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
- Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
- Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
- Best Actor – Denzel Washington
- Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
- YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
- Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese
- Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts
- BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
- Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
- Best International Act – Ayra Starr
- Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” – Chris Brown
Ayra Starr’s victory continues to solidify her position as one of the leading voices in the global Afrobeats movement, and a trailblazer for young African artists breaking into the international spotlight.
