Ayra Starr Crowned Best International Act at 2025 BET Awards, Beats Blacko and Rema
Ayra Starr Wins Best International Act at 2025 BET Awards, Beating Black Sherif and Other Top African Artists
Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr made history at the 2025 BET Awards by taking home the Best International Act award, triumphing over a strong lineup of African and international stars. The award ceremony, held at the prestigious Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, was a celebration of global music excellence, with Ayra Starr’s win marking a significant milestone in her career and for the Afrobeats genre.
Ayra Starr faced stiff competition from notable artists, including South Africa’s Tyla, Ghana’s Black Sherif, Rema, Uncle Waffles, Joé Dwèt Filé, and MC Luanna. Despite the competitive field, Ayra emerged victorious, securing her first-ever BET Award and further solidifying her position as a rising global star in the music industry.
Her win not only highlighted her incredible talent but also underscored the continued rise and recognition of Afrobeats on the international stage. The young artist’s emotional acceptance speech and powerful performance were among the highlights of the night, drawing praise from fans and fellow musicians around the world.
Meanwhile, Black Sherif, one of Ghana’s most celebrated musical exports, may not have clinched the award, but his presence at the event was a testament to his growing global influence. Dressed in his signature vintage-inspired fashion, Black Sherif turned heads on the red carpet and was widely applauded for his confidence and humility.
Interestingly, in a pre-show interview, Black Sherif—affectionately known by fans as Blacko—predicted that Ayra Starr would take home the award. His graciousness and support for fellow African artists did not go unnoticed, earning him admiration across social media platforms, especially from fans in Ghana who continue to rally behind him.
Despite not winning this year, Black Sherif’s impact on the BET stage remains significant. He previously made history by winning Best International Flow at the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, an achievement that placed Ghana firmly in the global music spotlight. His consistent appearances at major international events like the BET Awards demonstrate his staying power and continued relevance in the ever-evolving music landscape.
Back in Ghana, fans flooded social media with messages of support, pride, and encouragement for Black Sherif. Many emphasized that being nominated and recognized on such a grand stage is itself a victory. As one fan wrote, “Black Sherif didn’t just represent Ghana; he represented African excellence.”
Ayra Starr’s win at the 2025 BET Awards is a significant moment not just for her career, but for the broader Afrobeats movement. It showcases the incredible talent coming out of Africa and signals even greater things to come for young artists from the continent.
With stars like Ayra Starr and Black Sherif making waves internationally, African music is clearly not just influencing the global sound—it’s leading it.
