Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has clinched the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act, solidifying her place as one of Afrobeats’ global frontrunners.

 

The 22-year-old singer triumphed over a competitive field that included South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian artist Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif. Her victory highlights the rising influence of African music on the international stage.

 

The BET Awards, held Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, honored outstanding achievements in music, film, sports, and culture. Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, the star-studded event was filled with powerful performances and memorable moments.

 

Ayra Starr’s win follows a string of nominations in previous years—Best New International Act in 2022, Best International Act in 2023, and the BET Her Award in 2024 for her hit single “Commas.”

 

While Ayra made history, the night also belonged to Kendrick Lamar, who dominated with four major wins: Album of the Year (GNX), Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year (Not Like Us), and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Luther.”

 

Here is the full list of 2025 BET Awards winners:

 

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

 

 

Ayra Starr’s BET win marks another proud moment for Nigerian music on the global stage.