Nigerian music sensation Ayra Starr has made history by clinching the Best International Act award at the 2025 BET Awards, held on Monday night, June 9, at the Peacock Arena in Los Angeles.

 

The win marks Ayra Starr’s first-ever BET Award, a monumental achievement in her fast-rising global music career. She edged out stiff competition from fellow Nigerian star Rema, South African singer Tyla, and other top international talents to claim one of the night’s most prestigious honors.

 

“This moment means everything to me. I represent the new Africa, the fearless African girl,” Ayra Starr said in her acceptance speech, which was met with thunderous applause from a global audience of fans, artists, and industry leaders.

 

Despite being nominated in two additional categories—Best New Artist and Best Female R&B/Pop Artist—Starr was unable to secure wins in those. Leon Thomas took home the Best New Artist award, while SZA won Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.

 

Fellow Nigerian singer Tems, who was nominated twice in the BET Her category, also left the ceremony empty-handed, as Summer Walker claimed the award for her track “Heart of a Woman.”

 

Kendrick Lamar Dominates the Night

 

The night’s biggest winner was Kendrick Lamar, who swept an impressive five awards out of ten nominations, including Album of the Year for GNX, Video of the Year, and Best Male Hip Hop Artist. His collaboration with SZA on the track “Luther” also earned them Best Collaboration, and he shared the Video Director of the Year honor with longtime creative partner Dave Free.

 

Full List of 2025 BET Awards Winners

• Album of the Year: GNX — Kendrick Lamar

• Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Chris Brown

• 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 Female R&B/Pop Artist: SZA

• Best Group: Future & Metro Boomin

• Best Collaboration: Luther — Kendrick Lamar & SZA

• Best International Act: Ayra Starr

• Best Male Hip Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar

• Best Actress: Cynthia Erivo

• Young Stars Award: Blue Ivy Carter

• Sportsman of the Year: Jalen Hurts

• Sportswoman of the Year: Angel Reese

• 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

• Best New International Act: TXC (South Africa)

• Best Movie: Luther: Never Too Much

• Best Actor: Denzel Washington

 

The 2025 BET Awards celebrated the vibrancy and global impact of Black talent across music, film, sports, and culture. With Ayra Starr’s historic win, the global influence of Nigerian music continues to rise, reaffirming its place at the forefront of the international entertainment scene.