Ayra Starr Wins Best International Act at 2026 MOBO Awards

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has been crowned the Best International Act at the 2026 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, securing her second consecutive win in the category. The Mavin Records artiste, also represented by Roc Nation, triumphed over a star-studded international lineup including Cardi B, Gunna, Kehlani, Clipse, Tyla, and Vybz Kartel. 

The announcement was made on March 26, 2026, during the 30th anniversary ceremony at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, UK, which hosted the event for the first time.

This victory follows her historic 2025 wins, when she became the first African woman in 16 years to claim Best African Music Act, alongside her first Best International Act title. With this back-to-back success, Ayra Starr now boasts three MOBO Awards, joining an elite group of African artists who have consistently excelled on the global stage.

In the international category, Ayraa was the sole Nigerian nominee. While she was also nominated for Best African Music Act, the title went to fellow Nigerian superstar Wizkid, who prevailed over nominees Davido, Rema, Tiwa Savage, and Adekunle Gold. Other notable winners included Olivia Dean, who claimed Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, while Vybz Kartel won Best Caribbean Music Act, and Pharrell Williams was honoured as Global Songwriter.

Taking to Instagram on March 27, Ayra Starr shared her excitement, posting new photos and writing:

“Just won a MOBO. Another one, thank youuu @moboawards.”

The 2026 MOBO Awards celebrated Black music and culture across genres including Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and grime, and showcased performances from artists like Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.