By Ebenezer Mabinuola
At just 21, Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has won Best International Act at the 25th BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The Mavin Records singer – born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe – marked a major milestone in her rising career, standing out as a voice of the new Afrobeats generation.
The BET Awards, launched in 2001 to honour Black excellence across entertainment and sports, introduced the international category to spotlight talent outside the U.S. Ayra Starr’s win places her among a growing list of African artists gaining global recognition.
She was nominated in three categories—Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. While she didn’t win the first two, her international win was a highlight of the night. In her acceptance speech, she said: “This is for every young girl who dreams big. Keep pushing, no matter where you come from.”
Born in Cotonou, Benin, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Starr gained early attention after signing with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records at 18. Her debut EP in 2021 introduced her blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. The 2023 release of her full-length album, 19 & Dangerous, with hits like “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan,” cemented her international status.
Starr is now the second Nigerian female artist to win this category, following Tems’ win in 2022. Her success reflects both personal growth and the rising global influence of Afrobeats.
As the BET Awards celebrated 25 years of Black culture and creativity, Ayra Starr’s win stood out—a powerful symbol of Africa’s evolving presence in global music. A second album is in the works, with potential collaborations hinting at an even brighter future.
