Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has won the 2025 BET Award for Best International Act.

The 22-year-old artist triumphed over notable nominees including South Africa’s Tyla, fellow Nigerian star Rema, and Ghana’s Black Sherif to claim the prestigious award.

The event, held on Monday night at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, is a celebration of Black excellence in music, film, sports, and culture.

This year’s ceremony was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, who returned to the stage after first hosting in 2011. Hart kicked off the night with his signature humour and witty commentary, taking playful shots at pop culture icons such as Kanye West.

Ayra Starr, who earned her first BET nomination in 2022, has since been recognized in multiple categories including Best New International Act (2022), Best International Act (2023), BET Her Award (2024 for “Commas”), and three categories in 2025.

Meanwhile, rapper Kendrick Lamar was the night’s biggest winner, taking home 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".

Complete List of Winners – 2025 BET Awards:

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