Ayra Starr Makes History With NFL Halftime Show in London
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has become the first African artist to headline an NFL International Game halftime show, taking her music to one of the biggest stages in global sport.
Ayra Starr just took Afrobeats to the NFL. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the Nigerian singer headlined the halftime show at the league's London game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a post on her official X account, she described herself as the first African artist to headline an NFL International Games halftime show.
The Performance
Starr opened with Heaven Baby, followed by Santa, Rush and Dangerous. She closed with a medley of Hot Body and Ms. Paper.
The setlist drew from her catalogue of releases, combining established favourites with more recent material. For fans already familiar with her music, it was an opportunity to see the singer perform on a major sporting stage. For other spectators, it offered an introduction to the sound of one of Nigeria's prominent music exports.
How It Came Together
The NFL announced Starr as its London halftime performer in August, describing her as one of the defining voices of a new generation of global pop music from Africa. The show was part of the league's 2026 International Games, which features a record seven halftime shows across seven countries and four continents.
From Breakthrough to Global Stage
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, Starr rose to prominence with her 2021 debut album, 19 & Dangerous. She has since built a strong international profile through songs such as "Rush", "Bloody Samaritan" and "Commas", along with major festival appearances and collaborations. She has also passed seven billion global streams.
What It Means for Afrobeats
Big sporting events can introduce artists to audiences who would not normally seek out their music. For the NFL, the international games are part of a wider push to grow its audience beyond the United States. For Afrobeats, they offer another route into global popular culture as Nigerian artists take up more space on international stages.
One performance does not settle the story, though. The lasting impact will depend on how audiences respond, whether more opportunities follow, and how well artists keep their connection with listeners across different markets. For Starr, London adds another milestone to a fast growing career. For Afrobeats, it is one more chance to win new listeners.