Ayra Star wins Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards

• Nigerian singer wins Best International Music Act award, becoming first woman in 16 years to do so.

• Ayra emerged victorious in the Best International Act competition, defeating Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto.

Ayra Star has triumphed over Nigerian artists Asake and Tems, as well as South Africa’s Tyla, to claim the title of Best African Music Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards.

This achievement marks her as the first female recipient of the award in 16 years. Additionally, the Nigerian singer secured the Best International Music Act award during the ceremony held in Newcastle.

In the category of Best International Act, Ayra faced competition from prominent artists including Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, and Latto, ultimately emerging victorious against them all.

The event, which was hosted by Indiyah Polack and Eddie Kadi, honored the finest in Black music and culture.

During her acceptance speech, Ayra Star, visibly overwhelmed by her success, expressed, “Okay, this is my first MOBO. And this is the first time I’m winning a MOBO Award—make some noise! I am actually shaking right now. I am actually nervous.

“Thank you so much to everybody who supported me. Thank you to my team—my amazing MOB-STARS.

“My amazing brothers who make music with me—the producers in the studio—my studio partners in crime; my label—MAVINS record, Embryo, my mummy…

“Thank you so much. Thank you, MOBOs.”

In other news, Omowunmi, the widow of the late Mohbad, has recounted her distressing experiences following her husband’s death.

In an emotional interview with Chude, Omowunmi expressed her struggles with understanding God’s will, as she grapples with the profound loss of her partner.

In a tragic turn of events, she has also received death threats through social media, which have left her feeling exposed and insecure.

She believes these threatening messages stem from her father-in-law’s purported efforts to take control of Mohbad’s estate.

Omowunmi made the alarming assertion that her father-in-law has been defaming her and attempting to destroy her life to gain access to the late artist’s properties.

This situation is particularly heart-wrenching for Omowunmi, especially considering that her father-in-law had once celebrated their marriage but is now allegedly acting cruelly towards his own grandchild.

Among the most troubling accusations made by Omowunmi is that her father-in-law has falsely alleged that Mohbad intended to harm their child, even claiming that he wished to throw the baby off the Third Mainland Bridge.