Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr etched her name in history at the 2025 BET Awards, securing her first-ever Best International Act award at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9. The 22-year-old singer, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, triumphed over a formidable lineup, including Mavin Records labelmate Rema, 2024 winner Tyla, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and Swaziland’s Uncle Waffles, marking a pivotal moment for African music’s global ascent. 

Starr’s victory, celebrated widely by fans in Nigeria and beyond, caps a year of remarkable achievements. Her 2024 sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, hit No. 1 on Nigeria’s Spotify album chart and peaked at No. 80 on the UK Official Albums Chart. Recent singles “All the Love” and “Gimme Dat,” featuring Afrobeats titan Wizkid, have amassed 12 million and 16 million Spotify streams, respectively, with the latter reaching No. 4 on the UK Afrobeats chart. 

“This win is for every young African girl with big dreams,” Starr said in a heartfelt speech, dedicating her award to aspiring artists. Her victory places her among Nigeria’s elite BET winners, including Davido, Burna Boy, and Tems, reinforcing Afrobeats’ growing influence on the global stage. 

However, the celebration was tempered by controversy. Despite Starr’s presence at the event, her award was presented backstage, reigniting criticism of BET’s treatment of African artists. Social media erupted, with fans and industry voices decrying the move as disrespectful. One X post referenced Wizkid’s 2015 critique of international award shows for sidelining African talent, calling BET’s actions “rubbish.” Starr herself has previously spoken out against similar slights, notably criticizing Nigeria’s Headies Awards in 2023 for awarding her Best Female Act post-ceremony. 

The controversy sparked speculation about industry dynamics, including Roc Nation’s congratulatory message to Starr on X, fueling rumors of a potential partnership. Mavin Records’ CEO Don Jazzy has long-standing ties with Roc Nation, with Jay-Z reportedly scouting Nigerian talent since the 2010s. 

Africa’s presence at the 2025 BET Awards extended beyond Starr’s win. South African Amapiano duo TxC claimed Best New International Act, while British-Nigerian actress Cynthia Erivo won Best Actress for her acclaimed role in Wicked. Despite these triumphs, African nominees like Burna Boy and Shallipopi missed out in other categories, with American artists, led by Kendrick Lamar’s five wins, dominating the night. 

Starr’s milestone underscores Afrobeats’ unstoppable rise, yet the backstage presentation debate highlights ongoing challenges for African artists seeking equal recognition. As the global music scene evolves, Starr’s win—and the conversations it has sparked—signal a new chapter for African talent demanding their place in the spotlight.