Nigerian singer Ayra Starr marked a career milestone at the 2025 BET Awards, taking home the Best International Act award, her first-ever win at the event on Monday night.
The 21-year-old Afrobeats star, who had led all African nominees with three nominations, was up for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Best New Artist, and Best International Act. While Starr lost in the first two categories to SZA and Leon Thomas respectively, her win in the international category signalled growing global recognition for her sound and rise in the music industry.
Her victory was a standout moment on a night where other Nigerian nominees were left disappointed.
Tems, another strong Nigerian contender, was nominated twice in the BET Her category for her tracks Burning and Hold On from her debut album Born In The Wild. The award was ultimately claimed by Summer Walker for her emotional single Heart of a Woman.
Shallipopi, known for his street-hop sound, was nominated for Best New International Act, while Rema was also in the running for Best International Act, but neither artist clinched the win.
The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, was dominated by U.S. acts particularly hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar, who swept up five major awards.
Lamar won Album of the Year for GNX, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year for the viral Not Like Us, Best Collaboration with SZA on Luther, and Video Director of the Year, shared with longtime collaborator Dave Free.
Chris Brown was named Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, while The Best Group award went to Future and Metro Boomin for their joint album.
Rapper Doechii won Best Female Hip Hop Artist and used her acceptance speech to highlight ongoing protests outside the venue.
“As much as I’m honoured by this award, I do want to address what’s happening right now outside of the building,” she said. “There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order.”
She concluded to a standing ovation: “We all deserve to live in hope and not in fear… and we protest against it. Thank you, BET.”
And in one of the night’s most talked-about wins, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter received the YoungStars Award
On the film and television front, Cynthia Erivo won Best Actress, and Denzel Washington added another accolade to his long career as Best Actor. The musical biopic Luther: Never Too Much took home Best Movie.
Meanwhile, Angel Reese claimed the Sportswoman of the Year award, while NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts took home Sportsman of the Year honors for his standout season.