Lagos, Nigeria – June 14, 2025
Nigerian music star Ayra Starr has more than candles to blow out this year — she has a major international trophy to celebrate. On her 23rd birthday, June 14, 2025, the singer-songwriter won her first BET Award as Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, marking a historic moment in her fast-rising career.
The award, which recognises outstanding achievements by artists across the globe, further cements Ayra Starr’s growing influence on the international music scene. Her win places her alongside past Nigerian recipients such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, affirming her place among Africa’s top musical exports.
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayra Starr rose to stardom in 2021 after signing with Mavin Records. Her debut single, Away, and the hit track Bloody Samaritan catapulted her into the spotlight, with Bloody Samaritan becoming the first solo female track to reach No. 1 on Nigeria’s TurnTable chart.
Her 2024 sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21, featured global collaborations with Giveon, Anitta, Asake, and Coco Jones, while her breakout single Rush amassed over 439 million streams on Spotify, charting across Europe and earning her a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance.
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This year, she has continued her winning streak with viral singles such as All The Love and Gimme Dat featuring Wizkid. Her recent world tour, which included opening for Coldplay in Australia and New Zealand, has further expanded her global fanbase, with a North American leg expected to kick off later this summer.
Despite her success, Ayra Starr remains a controversial figure in some circles. Her bold performance in Brazil last year, where she waved a rainbow flag in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, sparked backlash in Nigeria, where same-sex relationships remain outlawed. Nonetheless, Ayra defended her actions, stating, “My music is for everyone—no matter who you are or who you love.”
Known for her genre-defying sound that blends Afrobeats, R&B, trap, amapiano, and highlife, Ayra Starr is often praised as a boundary-breaker. While some critics argue that her eclectic style dilutes Afrobeats’ core, many view her as a symbol of the genre’s evolution and global reach.
With her BET win, global tours, streaming success, and fearless social stance, Ayra Starr is celebrating her 23rd year not just as a musician, but as a cultural force.
As fans around the world send her birthday wishes, one thing is certain — Ayra Starr is no longer just a rising star; she’s now a global icon shaping the future of African music.
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