Nigerian Afrobeats star Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has clinched the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, further cementing her status as a rising global music sensation.
The 22-year-old triumphed over a competitive field of nominees, including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif, to claim the coveted award.
The BET Awards ceremony took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrating Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture. This year’s event was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, whose trademark humor and sharp wit lit up the stage. His opening monologue featured playful jabs at major pop culture figures, setting the mood for a vibrant and energetic evening.
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Ayra Starr’s victory marks a key milestone in her career, following her first BET nomination in 2022. Over the years, she has garnered recognition across several categories, including Best New International Act in 2022, Best International Act in 2023, and the BET Her Award nomination for her hit single “Commas” in 2024.
Here is the full list of winners at the 2025 BET Awards:
- 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
