By Onyeanya Ebere
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has won the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, solidifying her rising global influence in music.
The 22-year-old superstar beat a competitive field that included South Africa’s Tyla, Nigeria’s Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif to clinch the prestigious award during the ceremony held Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The BET Awards, which celebrate Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture, returned this year with comedian Kevin Hart as host.
Hart, known for his fearless comedy, opened the night with pointed jabs at pop culture icons, including Kanye West.
Ayra Starr’s win marks a significant milestone in her career, which has seen a steady rise since her debut nomination in 2022.
She was previously nominated for Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), the BET Her Award in 2024 for her hit song Commas, and three categories in 2025.
Meanwhile, rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, bagging four major awards including Album of the Year (GNX), Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year (Not Like Us), and Best Collaboration with SZA on Luther.
Other major winners includes the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA, Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown, Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin, Best New Artist: Leon Thomas, Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo, Best Actor: Denzel Washington, Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much and Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese.
