Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has made history as the first African artiste to headline a halftime show at a National Football League (NFL) International Game, delivering a performance that further highlights the growing global reach of African music.
The Afrobeats star performed on Sunday, October 11, during the NFL matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Her appearance placed Nigerian music at the centre of one of the NFL’s international sporting events, bringing the sound of Afrobeats to an audience spanning sports fans and music enthusiasts across different countries.
Ayra Starr delivers a medley of hits
The singer opened her set with Heaven Baby before performing Santa, Rush and Dangerous. She concluded with a medley featuring Hot Body and Ms Paper.
The performance showcased her repertoire and stage presence while providing a major international platform for contemporary African pop music.
Ayra Starr has emerged as one of the prominent voices in the modern Afrobeats movement, building an international following through her recordings, live performances and collaborations.
Her NFL appearance represents another milestone in the growing presence of African performers at major international entertainment events.
Afrobeats continues to expand its global footprint
African music has gained increasing visibility across international streaming platforms, festivals, award ceremonies and major live events.
Nigerian artistes, in particular, have contributed to the worldwide popularity of Afrobeats, with performances at prominent venues helping introduce the genre to wider audiences.
Ayra Starr’s selection for the NFL halftime show reflects this expanding international profile and the increasing role of music in the league’s efforts to engage audiences beyond the United States.
The NFL has continued to stage regular-season games outside the US, pairing some international fixtures with live musical performances as part of its broader entertainment programme.
For Ayra Starr, the London appearance adds another notable achievement to her career and reinforces the international visibility of Nigerian music.