Afrobeats star, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has clinched the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act.
The 22-year-old singer edged out strong contenders, including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif, to secure the win.
The ceremony which took place on Monday’s night at Peacock Theater at Los Angeles, is known for honouring Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.
This year, it returned with comedian Kevin Hart as host. Hart, who previously hosted the show in 2011, opened the night with bold humour and sharp jabs at major pop culture figures, including Kanye West.
Since her debut nomination in 2022, she has earned nods in several categories including Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), BET Her Award (2024 for “Commas”), and three categories in 2025.
Rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home four major awards: Album of the Year for
GNX,Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for Not Like Us, and Best Collaboration with SZA for Luther.
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
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
