Ayra Starr Puts Africa on the Map with 2025 BET Awards Triumph

Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has won the award for Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards.

Held on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theatre in California, the prestigious ceremony saw the Grammy-nominated singer beat a host of global contenders—including Nigerian peer Rema and South African singer Tyla—to clinch the coveted prize.

Marking her first BET Awards win, Starr’s name is written in the history books as the first Nigerian woman to receive the honor.

Notably, the Mavin Records artiste received a congratulatory message from Jay Z’s Roc Nation, sparking speculation that she may have signed with the American entertainment powerhouse. Roc Nation and Mavin Records share a history of collaboration as Jay Z and Don Jazzy were in partnership discussions as early as 2016. In that same year, former Mavin signee Tiwa Savage secured a publishing and management deal with Roc Nation, facilitated through the record label. She is now signed to Universal Music Group (UMG).

Despite the win, the BET Awards came under fire online for presenting Starr with her award backstage rather than during the live telecast. The backlash echoes Wizkid’s 2020 criticism of international award shows for their repeated sidelining of African artists in this manner.

With her win, Starr joins the ranks of Tems, Davido, Burna Boy, and Tyla as the only African artistes to have taken home a BET Award.

Hosted by Kevin Hart, the 2025 BET Awards united African and African American stars under one roof  in a celebration of Black excellence, music, and culture.

Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, taking home five awards from a leading ten nominations—the most for any artist this year. Chris Brown and SZA followed with two wins each.

Music legends Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin were honored with the Ultimate Icon Award for their enduring influence and decades of contribution to music and Black culture.

The night’s performances were a standout highlight. A 106 & Park 25th Anniversary Celebration and Reunion electrified the stage, featuring Ashanti, Jim Jones, Amerie, Keyshia Cole, Miya, T.I., B2K, Jermaine Dupri, and Bow Wow—celebrating a show that helped launch the careers of many Black artistes.

Mariah Carey returned to the BET stage for the first time in years to perform her new single, “Type Dangerous,” alongside a medley of her classic hits. She was joined by singer Anderson. Paak and hip-hop pioneer Rakim.

Later, Carey accepted her very first BET Award and delivered a powerful message about authenticity and self-empowerment. “Be anything you want to be, and be iconic while doing it,” she said.

In a heartfelt tribute, Craig Robinson, Babyface, Ludacris, Tank, Jennifer Hudson, Doug E. Fresh, T-Pain, and Teddy Riley honored Jamie Foxx. The Academy Award-winning entertainer followed with an emotional acceptance speech, reflecting on his near-fatal hemorrhagic stroke in 2023.

“I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not going to turn down,” he said.

The ceremony also paid tribute to Black icons who passed away—Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, and Angie Stone—with moving memorials that honored their legacies and cultural impact.

Other performers included GloRilla, Lil Wayne, Leon Thomas, Teyana Taylor, Playboi Carti, Ledisi, Charlie Wilson, Kirk Franklin, Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, and more.

Rising star Ravyn Lenae, known for her viral hit “Love Me Not,” performed on the BET Amplified Stage alongside British singer Elmiene.

Ghanaian singer Molly also performed her Billboard charting single “Shake it to the Max (Fly)” on the BET Awards red carpet.

The BET Awards, established by Black Entertainment Television, is an annual ceremony dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black artists, entertainers, and athletes across music, film, television, and sports.

View the full list of winners here.