Nigerian afrobeats sensation Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has been named Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards.
The 22-year-old singer triumphed over strong contenders, including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian artiste Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif, to secure the coveted prize.
The ceremony, held on Monday night at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, is renowned for celebrating Black excellence across music, film, sports, and culture.
This year’s edition was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, marking his return to the role since his last appearance in 2011. Hart kicked off the night with bold humour and pointed jabs at high-profile pop culture figures, including Kanye West.
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Since her first BET nomination in 2022, Ayra Starr has steadily risen in global prominence. Her past nominations include Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), BET Her Award (2024 for Commas), and three nominations in 2025.
American rapper Kendrick Lamar emerged as the biggest winner of the evening, taking home four major awards:
- Album of the Year for GNX
- Best Male Hip Hop Artist
- Video of the Year for Not Like Us
- Best Collaboration for Luther with SZA
Full List of Winners – 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