Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr is set to make history as the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show. She will perform at the 2026 NFL London Game on October 11. The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. BST and will feature the Philadelphia Eagles clashing with the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This performance marks another major international milestone for Ayra Starr.
The NFL described Starr as one of the defining voices of a new generation of global music emerging from Africa. Since making her debut in 2021, she has amassed billions of streams globally. Starr is also a two-time Grammy nominee and BET Award winner for Best International Act. Her presence on the global music scene has been further established through performances at major international events, including the Glastonbury Festival.
Reacting to the announcement, Ayra Starr said performing at the NFL halftime show in London was a dream come true. She expressed excitement to bring her music and her recently released album, Starrgirl, to the NFL’s global stage. This performance is part of a record seven halftime shows planned across the NFL’s 2026 International Games, which span seven countries and four continents.
The NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, said the league chose Starr because of her connection with London audiences and the growing influence of African music. He described London as one of the world’s most influential music cities and noted that African music has been central to the city’s music conversation for years.
Starr’s performance further highlights the growing international reach of Afrobeats and the increasing presence of Nigerian artists on major global entertainment platforms. This milestone is a significant achievement for Ayra Starr and the Nigerian music industry. Her appearance at the NFL halftime show is expected to draw a large and diverse audience.
The 2026 NFL London Game is part of the NFL’s efforts to expand its international games and entertainment programme. The league has been hosting games in London since 2007 and has seen growing popularity and attendance. The NFL’s international games have become a significant part of the league’s schedule, with a growing fan base across the globe.
Ayra Starr’s performance at the NFL halftime show is a testament to her growing global popularity and the increasing recognition of African music. Her achievement is expected to pave the way for more African artists to perform at major international events. The NFL’s decision to choose Starr for the halftime show demonstrates the league’s commitment to showcasing diverse talent and promoting global music.
Key points
- Ayra Starr to make history as first major African artist to headline NFL halftime show
- Performance to take place at 2026 NFL London Game on October 11
- NFL chose Starr for her connection with London audiences and growing influence of African music
