Nigeria 🇳🇬: Ayra Starr Crowns 2025 as the Most Awarded African Female Artist

 

The "Sabi Girl" has officially claimed the throne. Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr has made history this year, securing a staggering 13 awards and overtaking Tyla to become the most awarded African female artist of 2025.

The Mavin Records signee has enjoyed a meteoric rise, dominating both local charts and international award ceremonies. Her record-breaking streak culminated in a diverse collection of trophies that span across Europe, North America, and the African continent.

Starr’s dominance was cemented by major wins at some of the world’s most prestigious ceremonies. Notably, she took home the BET Award for Best International Act, a testament to her growing influence in the United States. She also saw a double victory at the MOBO Awards in the UK, winning both Best International Act and Best African Music Act.

Her path to 13 awards was paved with consistent wins across various platforms. On the continent, she was recognized as the Best Female Artist at the African Entertainment Awards USA and the Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (West Africa). She also secured the Trace Award for Best Artist in Western Africa Anglophone.

In addition to these regional honors, she dominated the major circuits by winning Artist of the Year at both the Galaxy Music Awards and the Golden Star Awards. Her musical versatility was further highlighted by winning Best R&B Single at The Headies and the Rest of Africa Award at the South African Music Awards (SAMA).

Rounding out her historic haul, she earned the Odeon Award for Best International Song of the Year and was presented with the Outstanding Achievement trophy at the Turntable Music Awards.

Entering the final months of the year, the race for the top spot was neck-and-neck with South African sensation Tyla. However, with her most recent victories, Ayra Starr has officially pulled ahead, marking a definitive year for the singer.

Industry analysts suggest that this record-breaking run is not just a personal victory for Starr, but a sign of the tightening grip Afrobeats has on the global music landscape. "Ayra Starr’s 2025 run is unprecedented," says one industry insider. "To win 'Artist of the Year' honors while simultaneously picking up 'Best International Act' overseas shows a level of cross-over appeal we rarely see."

As the year draws to a close, Starr remains the artist to beat, proving that her "Sabi" energy is truly world-class.

List of awards 

1. BET Award – Best International Act

2. 1. BET Award – Best International Act

2. MOBO Award – Best International Act

3. MOBO Award – Best African Music Act

4. Trace Award – Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)

5. African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA) – Best Female Artist

6. Africa Arts Entertainment Award – Best Female Artist West Africa

7. Galaxy Music Award – Artist of the Year

8. Headies Award – Best R&B Single (for "Last Heartbreak Song")

9. South African Music Award (SAMA) – Rest of Africa Award

10. Odeon Award – Best International Song of the Year

11. Golden Star Award – Artist of the Year

12. Turntable Music Award – Outstanding Achievement

13. Trace Award – Best West African Artist (Secondary RecognitiMOBO Award – Best International Act

3. MOBO Award – Best African Music Act

4. Trace Award – Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)

5. African Entertainment Awards USA (AEAUSA) – Best Female Artist

6. Africa Arts Entertainment Award – Best Female Artist West Africa

7. Galaxy Music Award – Artist of the Year

8. Headies Award – Best R&B Single (for "Last Heartbreak Song")

9. South African Music Award (SAMA) – Rest of Africa Award

10. Odeon Award – Best International Song of the Year

11. Golden Star Award – Artist of the Year

12. Turntable Music Award – Outstanding Achievement

13. Trace Award – Best West African Artist (Secondary Recognition)