Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history as the first African artist to headline an NFL International Games halftime show, taking Afrobeats to the global sporting stage in London on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The singer performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during halftime of the NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Her set featured a medley of "Rush", "Heaven Baby" and "Hot Body", bringing Nigerian music to an international audience beyond the usual concert and festival circuit.
Performing on a temporary stage at midfield, Ayra Starr made the most of a platform that brought together American football, live entertainment and global pop culture. Her appearance marked a significant moment for the Nigerian star and added another milestone to Afrobeats’ expanding international presence.
The NFL has continued to grow its international reach by staging regular-season games outside the United States, introducing American football to audiences in different markets. Its London games have become an opportunity to bring music and entertainment into the sporting experience, giving performers access to audiences that extend beyond their existing fan bases.
For Ayra Starr, the halftime appearance offered an opportunity to bring her music to one of the NFL’s major international events. Known for songs including "Rush", which helped strengthen her global profile, the singer has become one of the Nigerian artists contributing to Afrobeats’ growing visibility around the world.
Ahead of the performance, Ayra Starr expressed her excitement about taking the stage, describing the opportunity as a dream come true. She also highlighted her connection to London, a city she counts among her favourite places.
“I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show. London is one of my favorite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!”
Her performance places an African artist at the centre of a major international sporting event, demonstrating how Afrobeats continues to find audiences in spaces that extend beyond the traditional music industry.
As Nigerian music continues to travel across borders, appearances like this create opportunities for artists to connect with new audiences through platforms that combine sport, entertainment and popular culture.
For Ayra Starr, headlining the NFL International Games halftime show is another defining moment in a career that continues to reach beyond Nigeria. For Afrobeats, it is another opportunity to take African sounds to a global audience.
