Ayra Starr

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has achieved a major career breakthrough, winning the Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, held yesterday night at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old singer emerged as Africa’s standout star of the night, becoming the only Nigerian nominee to bring home a trophy, despite a strong presence by several Nigerian artists at the ceremony.

Ayra Starr, who entered the event with three nominations, more than any other African act, was in the running for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. Although she lost the first two categories to American stars SZA and Leon Thomas, her victory in the international category marked a milestone moment for African music on the global stage.

“This means the world to me,” Ayra said emotionally in her acceptance speech. “To every young girl watching back home in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Enugu, this is for you. We’re here, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Her win represents a growing global appreciation for Afrobeats and solidifies her place among the most influential young artists of her generation.

Other Nigerian artists, including Rema, Tems, and Shallipopi, were also nominated but did not secure wins. Tems, with two nominations in the BET Her category for her tracks Burning and Hold On, lost out to Summer Walker’s Heart of a Woman. Rema, who was also up for Best International Act, and Shallipopi, nominated for Best New International Act, both fell short.

The ceremony, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, largely saw U.S. acts dominate the stage. Kendrick Lamar stole the spotlight with five major wins, including Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, and Video of the Year for Not Like Us. He also shared Best Collaboration with SZA for their hit Luther.

Chris Brown won Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while the Best Group award went to Future and Metro Boomin. Rising rap star Doechii claimed Best Female Hip Hop Artist and delivered one of the night’s most powerful speeches, addressing protests happening outside the venue.

“We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear… and we protest against it,” Doechii declared to a standing ovation.

A surprise moment came as Blue Ivy Carter, daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, received the YoungStars Award, cementing her place in the spotlight at just 13 years old.

In the film and television categories, Cynthia Erivo took home Best Actress, while veteran actor Denzel Washington was honoured as Best Actor. The musical biopic Luther: Never Too Much won Best Movie of the Year.

On the sports front, Angel Reese was named Sportswoman of the Year, and NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts secured Sportsman of the Year.

But despite all the glamour, for many Nigerians and fans of Afrobeats worldwide, Ayra Starr’s win was the highlight of the night, a moment of pride, visibility, and celebration for African talent on the world stage.