Harry Archie
Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr is set to make history by becoming the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
The singer, whose real name is Sarah Aderibigbe, will perform during the 2026 NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The game is scheduled to take place on October 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Ayra Starr’s selection is another major step in the international growth of Afrobeats and the increasing presence of African music on major global entertainment platforms.
The halftime performance will give the Nigerian singer an opportunity to perform before a large international audience while also exposing her music to American football fans in the United Kingdom and beyond.
The NFL London Game is part of the league’s international programme designed to take American football to audiences outside the United States.
For Ayra Starr, the opportunity comes after several years of rapid growth in the international music industry.
She rose to prominence after the release of her hit songs and has since developed a strong following in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, as well as in Europe and North America.
Her international profile has continued to grow through collaborations, performances and appearances on major music platforms.
The upcoming NFL performance is expected to further strengthen her position as one of the leading young African music stars making an impact on the global stage.
Ayra Starr expressed excitement about the opportunity, describing the performance as a major achievement and a dream come true.
Her appearance also reflects the growing relationship between global sports and African entertainment.
Over the past few years, Nigerian and other African musicians have increasingly performed at major international events, helping to introduce African sounds to wider audiences.
The NFL’s decision to select Ayra Starr for its London halftime show is therefore likely to attract considerable attention from fans of both music and American football.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars will face each other in the London game on October 11, with Ayra Starr providing the halftime entertainment.
