Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has added another milestone to her career after becoming the first African artiste to headline a halftime show at a National Football League (NFL) International Game.
The singer performed on Sunday, October 11, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London during the NFL clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars, bringing Afrobeats to an international sporting audience.
Ayra Starr opened her performance with “Heaven Baby,” her collaboration with British singer Zayn Malik, before performing other songs, including “Rush,” “Santa,” “Hot Body” and “Dangerous.” The set featured music from her latest album, “Starrgirl,” released in August 2026.
Following the performance, the singer expressed excitement about the experience, describing it as amazing and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
The appearance is another significant moment for the 24-year-old singer, whose rise since her 2021 breakout has made her one of the prominent Nigerian artistes on the international music scene. Her achievements include a BET Award for Best International Act, two Grammy nominations and a performance at Glastonbury Festival.
The NFL selected Ayra Starr as part of its 2026 international season, which features a record seven halftime performances across games staged in different countries. Her selection reflects the growing presence of African music at major international sporting and entertainment events.
With Nigerian artistes increasingly appearing at major international events, Ayra Starr’s latest achievement adds to the industry’s growing global profile. It also reinforces the role of international performances in expanding the reach of Afrobeats beyond its established fan base.
