Nigerian singer Ayra Starr brought Afrobeats to one of American football’s biggest international platforms on Sunday, October 11, 2026, becoming the first African artist to headline an NFL International Games halftime show.
The 24-year-old performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London during the Week 5 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars, placing Nigerian music before an international sporting audience.
Her appearance formed part of the National Football League’s expanded international programme, which features seven halftime shows across its 2026 International Games in seven countries and four continents. The league announced her participation ahead of the London fixture.
The performance marked another milestone for an artist whose music has continued to reach audiences beyond Africa. Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has built an international following through songs including “Rush” and “Bloody Samaritan”, alongside collaborations with artists from different musical backgrounds.
Ayra Starr opened her set with “Heaven Baby”, her collaboration with former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, before moving into a selection of songs from her catalogue.
She performed “Rush”, the breakout hit that helped expand her international profile, followed by a medley of “Hot Body” and “Ms. Paper”. She also performed “Santa” and “Dangerous”.
The set included music from Starrgirl, her third studio album, which she released in August 2026. The album added to a catalogue that blends Afrobeats with pop and R&B influences.
Ahead of the show, Ayra Starr told BBC Newsbeat that the opportunity carried significance beyond the performance itself.
She described the history-making appearance as something that “itself is a message”, highlighting the importance of artists using international platforms to represent their cultures and audiences.
“At the end of the day, as artists, we speak for the culture and we speak for the people that listen to us,” she said.
“And we have to represent any way that seems fit, that they need.”
“I’m still in rehearsals. It’s a lot of work that we’re putting in, but I’m really excited,” she said ahead of the show.
