Ayra Starr Shines at 2025 AAE Awards alongside Tems, Darkoo, Tyla

At the 2025 Africa Arts Entertainment Awards (AAEA) held on Apr. 10, Ayra Starr took centre stage, emerging as Best Female Artist in West Africa and further solidifying her influence as one of Africa’s most compelling voices. The prestigious awards ceremony, held in Nairobi, Kenya, celebrated exceptional talent across the continent and beyond, with Nigerian female musicians making a powerful statement through their wins.

Ayra’s recognition came as no surprise to many, following a year of chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing performances that have consistently elevated West African music on the global stage. Her artistry, rooted in bold storytelling and genre-blending sounds, continues to resonate with a diverse audience across Africa and the diaspora.

The night also celebrated the soaring success of other African women in music. South Africa’s Tyla took home two of the most coveted categories—Overall Female Artist of the Year and Best Female Artist, South Africa. Her dual win highlights the growing global appeal of Southern African sounds and cements her status as a leading voice from the region.

Tems added another milestone to her international rise, clinching the Best Global African Female Artist award. With her soulful voice and seamless collaborations with world-renowned artists, Tems remains a dominant force beyond the continent.

British-Nigerian artist Darkoo won Best Diasporan Act, propelled by the success of her hit single “Favourite Girl” and its remix featuring Rema. Darkoo’s sound, which blends UK rap with Afrobeats, stands as a testament to the cross-cultural power of African music in the diaspora.

The 2025 AAEA was a landmark event for women in African entertainment. Nigerian female artists, in particular, dominated the winners’ list, reflecting both their creative excellence and the growing impact of female voices in shaping the soundscape of contemporary African music.