Ayra Starr wins Best International Act at BET Awards 2025.

Los Angeles, USA — Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has clinched the prestigious Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, held in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

The announcement was made during a star-studded ceremony hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart, celebrating outstanding achievements in music, film, television, and sports, with a strong focus on Black excellence and cultural influence.

Ayra Starr triumphed over a competitive field that included South Africa’s Tyla, Ghana’s Black Sherif, and fellow Nigerian artist Rema. This victory marks a defining moment in the young star’s career, reaffirming her growing international acclaim.

Since bursting onto the global music scene, Ayra Starr has consistently earned recognition at the BET Awards. Her nominations include Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), BET Her Award for “Commas” (2024), and multiple nods in 2025 for Best New Artist, Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, and Best International Act, the latter of which she won.

Music icon Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, walking away with four major awards—Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for “Not Like Us”, and Best Collaboration with SZA for “Luther”.

Below is the full list of major winners:

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

Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Hurts

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

Ayra Starr’s win was widely celebrated across social media, with fans and industry figures alike praising her artistry and impact on the global stage.

By Makinde oyinkansola| June 10, 2025