Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Nigerian Artists Who Have Won MOBO Awards
Ayra Starr is having a moment, and we love to see it. At the 2026 MOBO Awards, she won Best International Act for the second consecutive year. This cemented her influence on the global music scene, highlighting the growing legacy of Nigerian artists.
Her historic win continues a remarkable tradition of Nigerian talent being recognised on the global stage.
About the MOBO Awards
The MOBO Awards — short for Music of Black Origin — were founded in 1996 in the United Kingdom. It aims to recognize achievements in music genres rooted in Black culture. This includes hip‑hop, R&B, reggae, gospel, jazz, Afrobeats, and others. Over the years, the ceremony has become a key platform for showcasing African talent to a global audience.
Nigerian Artists Who Have Won Made MOBO Awards
2Baba — Best African Music Act (2007)
In 2007, 2Baba (popularly known as 2Face Idibia) became the first Nigerian artist to win a MOBO Award. This win marked a milestone for Nigerian pop music on the international stage.
9ice — Best African Music Act (2008)
In 2008, 9ice won Best African Music Act. It added to the success of his album Gongo Aso and affirmed Nigeria’s growing influence in African music.
Nneka — Best African Music Act (2009)
In 2009, Nneka Egbuna claimed Best African Music Act. This showcased the depth and diversity of Nigerian talent early in the MOBO Awards’ African category.
Wizkid — Multiple Wins (2011-2026)
Wizkid has been one of Nigeria’s most celebrated MOBO winners. He took home the Best African Music Act in 2011, 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2026. He also won Best International Act in 2017 and 2021, cementing his international influence.
D’banj — Best African Music Act (2012)
In 2012, D’banj won Best African Music Act, helping bring Afrobeats further into global consciousness.
Davido — Best African Music Act (2017)
In 2017, Davido won Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards, a defining moment that reinforced Nigeria’s dominance in the category. His win came during a landmark year that also saw Wizkid take home Best International Act.
Burna Boy — Best African Music Act & Best International Act (2022)
Grammy-winning Burna Boy earned both Best African Music Act and Best International Act in 2022.
Asake — Best African Music Act (2024)
In 2024, Asake’s win for Best African Music Act reflected his creative breakout and the continent-wide appetite for his music.
Ayra Starr — Best African Music Act & Best International Act (2025, 2026)
Ayra Starr’s victories at the MOBO Awards highlight her versatility and influence. In 2025, she won both Best African Music Act and Best International Act. Making history as the first female artist to claim both titles in the same year. Her 2026 MOBO win for Best International Act reinforces her place as one of Afrobeats’ leading voices globally.
Across nearly two decades, Nigerian artists have consistently been recognised at the MOBO Awards. From 2Baba’s first breakthrough win to Wizkid and Ayra Starr’s recent streak, these wins reflect the growth of Nigerian music. They also show the world’s hunger for Nigerian storytelling through song.
