Pop sensation Ayra Starr has made history by winning the ‘Best International Act’ at the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards for the second consecutive year.
The 23-year-old singer, known for her chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, first claimed the accolade in 2025, making her the first African artist to achieve back-to-back victories in this prestigious international category.
With this latest triumph, Ayra Starr now has three MOBO Awards to her name.
The 2026 ceremony, marking the awards’ 30th anniversary, was held on 26 March at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, the first time the city hosted the event.
The night celebrated Black music and culture on a global scale, spanning genres such as Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and grime.
Ayra Starr faced stiff competition from internationally renowned artists, including Cardi B, Tyla, Gunna, Kehlani, Vybz Kartel, Mariah the Scientist, Clipse, Leon Thomas, and Moliy, ultimately emerging as the sole Nigerian winner in her category.
While Ayra Starr also contended for the Best African Music Act award, the title went to Nigerian superstar Wizkid, who triumphed over fellow nominees Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold.
Other major winners included Olivia Dean, who dominated the night by taking home Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, while Vybz Kartel claimed Best Caribbean Music Act and Pharrell Williams was honoured as Global Songwriter.
The ceremony, hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, featured electrifying performances from Nigerian stars Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.
Ayra Starr’s continued success is largely credited to the global impact of her 2022 hit ‘Rush’, which became the most-watched music video by a Nigerian female artist and earned a Grammy nomination.
Her partnership with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has further propelled her onto the international stage, enabling her to compete alongside top global talent.
The significance of her back-to-back MOBO wins underscores her ability to maintain a strong presence within the global music industry, particularly in a category that has evolved from a US-focused framework to embrace worldwide artists.
By defending her title, Ayra Starr has demonstrated consistent excellence and solidified her position as a leading figure in the international music scene.
The 2026 MOBO Awards also spotlighted other Nigerian talents making waves internationally. Wizkid’s Best African Music Act win reaffirmed his dominance on the continent, while British-Nigerian media personality Niko Omilana won Best Media Personality.
German-Nigerian singer Odeal was nominated in the Best Male Act and Best R&B/Soul Act categories, and British actors Wunmi Mosaku, Damson Idris, Dayo Koleosho, and Cynthia Erivo were recognized in the Best Performance in a TV Show/Film category.
The full list of winners further celebrated diverse talent across multiple genres. Jim Legxacy was named Best Male Act, Olivia Dean dominated in Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, DC3 won Best Newcomer, RAYE earned Video of the Year, and Flo secured Best R&B/Soul Act. Chip, Central Cee, and Twin S were recognised in Best Grime, Hip-Hop, and Drill categories, respectively, while Nova Twins won Best Alternative Music Act. In the gospel and production categories, DC3 and P2J received honours, with Slick Rick recognised for MOBO Lifetime Achievement.
Ayra Starr’s historic achievement marks a defining moment in her career and reflects the growing international influence of Nigerian artists. By consistently excelling on global stages, she continues to inspire the next generation of African musicians, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer for the continent’s music industry.
