Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history by winning the 2025 BET awards, making it her first-ever. On Monday night at the Peacock Arena in Los Angeles, she took home the prestigious Best International Act prize at the 2025 BET Awards. This victory is a major milestone for Ayra Starr, especially after missing out in previous years. She beat tough competition, including popular stars like Rema from Nigeria and South Africa’s Tyla, to claim the award. Her win highlights her rising influence in the global music scene. Despite this success, Ayra Starr did not win in her other categories. She was nominated for Best New Artist but lost to American singer Leon Thomas. She was also up for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, a category that went to SZA. Nigerian singer Tems was another big name nominated at the event. She competed twice in the Best HER category but was edged out by American singer Summer Walker. The biggest winner of the night was American rapper Kendrick Lamar. He took home five awards from ten nominations, dominating the ceremony with his powerful music and performances. The 2025 BET Awards showcased a mix of international and American talent. For Nigerian artists like Ayra Starr and Tems, the event provided a global platform to reach new audiences. Ayra Starr’s win as Best International Act is a sign of the growing recognition of African music worldwide. Fans and critics alike celebrated her success. The award marks a new chapter in her career and promises even more achievements in the future. Full list of winners of 2025 BET Awards Album of the Year GNX — Kendrick Lamar Best Male R&B/Pop Artist Chris Brown Best Female R&B/Pop Artist SZA 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 Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award ‘Rain Down on Me’ — GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music Viewer’s Choice Award ‘Residuals’ — Chris Brown BET Her ‘Heart of a Woman’ — Summer Walker Best International Act Ayra Starr Best New International Act TXC (South Africa) Best Movie Luther: Never Too Much Best Actor Denzel Washington Best Actress Cynthia Erivo Young Stars Award Blue Ivy Carter Sportsman of the Year Jalen Hurts Sportswoman of the Year Award Angel Reese Read Also: Kendrick Lamar: Billboard’s 2024 pop star Kendrick Lamar Crowned Apple Music’s rap artist of the year Burna Boy, Rema, Ayra Starr, others earn BET nominations Post navigation Kizz Daniel regains master rights to ‘New Era’ debut album, hit singles I gave my first musical earnings to church, Ruger reveals