Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr is set to achieve another major international milestone after being announced as the headline performer for the 2026 NFL London Game halftime show.
The singer will perform on October 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars. The National Football League confirmed the development on Thursday, describing Starr as the first Afrobeats artist to headline an NFL game.
The performance will make Ayra Starr the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show, further highlighting the growing global influence of African music.
Reacting to the announcement, the singer described the opportunity as a major personal achievement.
“I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show in London,” Ayra Starr said. “London is one of my favourite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!”
The NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, also praised the singer’s growing connection with international audiences.
“London is one of the most influential music cities in the world, and African music has been at the centre of that conversation for years now,” Tubito said. He described Ayra Starr as a “generational talent” and said she was the right artist to continue the momentum created by previous London halftime performances.
The appearance is significant for Afrobeats as the genre continues to gain visibility on major international platforms. Ayra Starr’s selection also reflects the increasing presence of African performers at global sporting and entertainment events.
The London performance is one of seven halftime shows planned across the NFL’s 2026 International Games, spanning seven countries and four continents.
Ayra Starr, a two-time Grammy nominee and BET Award winner, recently released her third studio album, Starrgirl, adding further momentum to her expanding international career.
Her NFL appearance is expected to further expose Afrobeats to American football audiences and reinforce the growing connection between African music and global entertainment.
