Ayra Starr has officially etched her name into the history books. The Nigerian superstar took home the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a groundbreaking win as the first Nigerian woman to ever claim the honor. The ceremony, held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre and hosted by Kevin Hart, was packed with star power, but Ayra’s win stood out as a milestone moment.
Facing off against a strong lineup of international talent, from the UK to Brazil, South Africa, France, and even her Afrobeats peer Rema, Ayra emerged victorious. Though she was also in the running for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and Best New Artist, this win alone signaled a major breakthrough.
Her historic moment drew attention beyond the music industry. Roc Nation took to X to congratulate her, prompting buzz about a possible connection between Ayra and Jay-Z’s powerhouse label. Fans quickly recalled the longstanding ties between Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy and Roc Nation, including Jay-Z’s previous efforts to scout Nigerian talent, efforts that even led to collaborative work with Jay Electronica.
Still, not everything about the night felt like a win. Despite attending the awards, Ayra’s trophy was handed to her offstage, rather than in front of the live audience. The move reignited criticism about how African artists are treated at global award shows. Years ago, Wizkid called out this exact pattern, slamming it as “rubbish.”
Ayra has long demanded respect for her artistry. After the 2023 Headies quietly handed her the Best Female Act award after the ceremony ended, she didn’t hold back. “We didn’t deserve such nonchalance!” she wrote on X.
Despite the backstage snub, Ayra’s BET win is a powerful moment, for her, for Nigerian music, and for every African artist pushing for their rightful place on the world stage.
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