Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, made history on Wednesday night, becoming the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act at the MOBO Awards.
The ceremony, held in Newcastle, also saw Starr claim the Best International Music Act honor, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most prominent musical exports.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Starr expressed her gratitude to her supporters and collaborators. “This is my first MOBO. “I am actually shaking right now. Thank you so much to everybody who supported me—my team, my amazing MOB-STARS, my label MAVINS, my producers, my mother. Thank you, MOBOs.”