Afrobeats sensation Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, better known by her stage name Ayra Starr, has officially secured the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act. The 22-year-old Nigerian star beat out a competitive lineup of international talents, including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian artist Rema, and Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, to claim the prestigious title.
Star-Studded Ceremony Held in Los Angeles
The awards show, which took place on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, returned in grand style to honour Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture. The evening was hosted by popular comedian Kevin Hart, who reprised his role after previously leading the show in 2011.
Hart kicked off the night with his signature comedic flair, delivering sharp punchlines and lighthearted commentary aimed at well-known cultural figures, including Kanye West.
Ayra Starr’s Journey to the Top
Ayra Starr’s BET journey began in 2022, when she received her first nomination in the Best New International Act category. Since then, she has consistently earned recognition, including a 2023 nomination for Best International Act and a 2024 nod for the BET Her Award for her single “Commas.”
In 2025, she secured nominations in three different categories, making her win all the more significant. Her consistent presence on the global stage and powerful musical impact have solidified her status as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising stars.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates the Night
American rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the biggest winner at this year’s ceremony, taking home four major awards. His acclaimed album “GNX” earned Album of the Year, while his viral hit “Not Like Us” won Video of the Year. He also received the title of Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and his collaboration with SZA on the track “Luther” won Best Collaboration.
Full List of 2025 BET Award Winners
Here are the winners in each major category:
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Best Female R&B/Pop Artist – SZA
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Best Male R&B/Pop Artist – Chris Brown
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Best Group – Future & Metro Boomin
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Best Collaboration – “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
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Best Male Hip Hop Artist – Kendrick Lamar
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Best Female Hip Hop Artist – Doechii
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Video of the Year – “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
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Video Director of the Year – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar
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Best New Artist – Leon Thomas
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Album of the Year – GNX – Kendrick Lamar
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Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – “Rain Down on Me” – GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music
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Best Actress – Cynthia Erivo
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Best Actor – Denzel Washington
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Best Movie – Luther: Never Too Much
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YoungStars Award – Blue Ivy Carter
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Sportswoman of the Year – Angel Reese
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Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts
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BET Her Award – “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
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Best New International Act – TxCT (South Africa), Ajuliacosta (Brazil)
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Best International Act – Ayra Starr
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Viewer’s Choice Award – “Residuals” – Chris Brown
A Historic Moment for Afrobeats
Ayra Starr’s win marks another milestone for Nigerian music on the global stage. With Afrobeats gaining momentum worldwide, her victory underscores the genre’s growing influence and the powerful role young African artists are playing in shaping international pop culture.
As the 2025 BET Awards spotlighted global talent, Ayra’s triumph stood out not just for the win, but for what it represents: a new generation of African artists leading the charge into a brighter, boundary-breaking musical future.
