LOS ANGELES (CHATNEWSTV) — Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr clinched the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, solidifying her status as a global music force and marking a major career milestone for the 21-year-old singer.
Held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, the awards ceremony recognized Starr’s meteoric rise in the international music scene, where she triumphed over tough competition from fellow Nigerian star Rema, Ghana’s Black Sherif, South Africa’s Tyla, and UK breakout group Ezra Collective.
“This is for every African girl who dreams beyond borders,” Starr said in her acceptance speech, dedicating the win to her fans across the continent. “Thank you for believing in me.”
Starr’s win underscores the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global stage. She follows in the footsteps of previous Nigerian BET winners including Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems.
The 2025 BET Awards, which celebrated Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture, saw American rapper Kendrick Lamar take home four major awards, including Album of the Year (GNX) and Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
SZA won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while Chris Brown secured Best Male R&B/Pop Artist and the Viewer’s Choice Award for his single “Residuals.”
South African duo TxC won Best New International Act, while Nigerian artist Shallipopi was nominated in the same category.
Full List of Key Winners:
Album of the Year: GNX – Kendrick Lamar
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown
Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best Female Hip Hop Artist: Doechii
Best Collaboration: “Luther” – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Best New Artist: Leon Thomas
Video of the Year: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
BET Her: “Heart of a Woman” – Summer Walker
Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much
Best Actor: Denzel Washington
Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo
Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts
Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese
Editor: Gabriel Ani
