‪Ayra Starr Becomes First Woman to Win Mobo Best African Music Award in 16 Years‬

Nigerian singer and songwriter Ayra Starr has made history at the MOBO Awards by becoming the first African woman to win Best International Act and the first woman to win Best African Music Act in 16 years.

In her acceptance speech, Ms Starr who said she was nervous, thanked her team,her supporters and the MOBO awards for the recognition.

She had been nominated alongside Asake, BNXN & Ruger, King Promise, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, Tems, Tyla and Uncle Waffles for Best African Act and went against some heavy hitters like Kendrick Lamar and Nicki Minaj for the Best International Award.

The ceremony was held on Tuesday in Newcastle and is available to stream in Kenya in full on YouTube on the MOBO Awards channel.

The MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin, also known as the MOBOs) are an annual British music award presentation honouring achievements in “music of black origin”, including hip hop, grime, UK Drill, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel, and African music.

See the full list of winners below.

• Best male act – Central Cee
• Best female act – Darkoo
• Best newcomer – Odeal
• Album of the year – Bashy, Being Poor Is Expensive
• Song of the year – Darkoo feat. Dess Dior, Favourite Girl
• Video of the year – Mnelia, My Man
• Best hip-hop act – Bashy
• Best grime act – Scorcher
• Best drill act – Pozer
• Best R&B/Soul act – Odeal
• Best media personality – 90s baby show
• Best African music act – Ayra Starr
• Best performance in a TV show/ film – Jacob Anderson as Louis in Interview With The Vampire
• Best electronic/ dance music act – TSHA
• Best gospel act – Annatoria
• Best jazz act – Ezra Collective
• Best producer – Juls
• Best Caribbean music act – Shenseea
• Best alternative music act – ALT BLK ERA
• Best international act – Ayra Starr
• MOBO paving the way award – Denise Lewis MBE
• MOBO impact award – Vybz Kartel