Ayra Starr Makes History as First African Artist to Headline NFL International Halftime Show
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has become the first African artist to headline a halftime show at a National Football League (NFL) International Game after performing in London on Sunday.
The singer took centre stage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the halftime break of the NFL matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11.
Ayra Starr performed songs including “Heaven Baby” and her global hit “Rush”, bringing Afrobeats to thousands of spectators at the international sporting event.
The performance formed part of the NFL’s 2026 International Games programme, which features musical performances across seven countries and four continents as the league expands its global audience.
The 24-year-old singer, whose real name is Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, was announced as the headline performer in August. She has continued to build an international profile through her music, major festival appearances and award nominations.
Her appearance marks another milestone for Nigerian music on the global stage, as African artists increasingly feature in major international sporting and entertainment events.
The game itself ended in a dramatic 19–17 victory for Jacksonville, with kicker Cam Little scoring a 57-yard field goal with one second remaining.
Ayra Starr’s performance adds to the growing international visibility of Afrobeats, placing Nigerian music before a global audience through one of American football’s major international fixtures.
