Ayra Starr Shines at 2025 BET Awards, Wins Best International Act

Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has clinched the prestigious Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, triumphing over fierce competition from global talents including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif.

This major win marks a defining moment in Ayra Starr’s rapidly rising career, cementing her status as a global music powerhouse. Known for her vibrant style and soulful sound, the award underscores her continued impact on the international music scene.

The BET Awards, which celebrate Black excellence and cultural influence across entertainment, were hosted this year by comedian and actor Kevin Hart. The star-studded event brought together top names from music, film, TV, and sports to honour creativity and cultural leadership.

Ayra Starr’s victory follows a string of nominations in recent years. Since her BET debut in 2022, she has been nominated for Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), and the BET Her Award in 2024 for her hit track “Commas.” In 2025 alone, she was nominated in three major categories: Best New Artist, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Best International Act — winning the latter.

“All I can say is thank you to my fans across the world — this means everything to me,” Starr said in an emotional acceptance speech.

The night also saw hip-hop heavyweight Kendrick Lamar dominate, taking home four major awards: Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for the viral “Not Like Us,” and Best Collaboration alongside SZA for their moving track “Luther.”

Full List of Major Winners — BET Awards 2025:

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 (Basketball)

Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts (Football)

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

From powerful performances to history-making wins, the 2025 BET Awards proved once again to be a celebration of talent, legacy, and Black excellence on a global scale.