Nigerian artist Ayra Starr has achieved a significant milestone at the MOBO Awards, becoming the first African woman to earn the esteemed Best International Act award. She also made history as the first female artist in 16 years to win the Best African Music Act award.
In her acceptance speech, an understandably nervous Ayra Starr thanked her team, fans, and the MOBO Awards for the amazing honor. Her victory was especially impressive as she was nominated alongside esteemed artists including Asake, BNXN & Ruger, King Promise, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, Tems, Tyla, and Uncle Waffles for the Best African Act award. For the Best International Act, she competed against well-known stars like Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj.
The event was held in Newcastle on Tuesday and can be viewed in full on YouTube via the MOBO Awards channel for audiences in Kenya.
The MOBO Awards, which stands for Music of Black Origin, recognize accomplishments across various music genres, including hip hop, grime, UK Drill, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.
