Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has been announced as the headline performer for the 2026 NFL London Games halftime show.
The singer will take the stage at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 11, during the NFL clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ayra Starr takes Afrobeats to the NFL
The performance represents another major international moment for Ayra Starr, who has continued to establish herself as one of Africa’s leading music exports.
The two-time Grammy nominee for Best African Music Performance has already appeared at major global events, including the Glastonbury Festival.
Major global stage in London
The NFL London Games attract thousands of fans in the stadium and a significant international television audience, giving Ayra Starr another opportunity to bring Afrobeats to a global sports audience.
The singer said she was excited to perform in London, describing the opportunity to appear on the NFL stage as a dream come true.
Eagles face Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Ayra Starr’s performance will take place during the Philadelphia Eagles vs Jacksonville Jaguars game.
The fixture will be the second NFL game staged at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in consecutive weeks, following the Indianapolis Colts vs Washington Commanders matchup on October 4.
NFL praises Ayra Starr
NFL senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment Tim Tubito praised Ayra Starr’s connection with fans and described her as a generational talent.
Her appearance also continues the NFL’s effort to combine major sporting events with globally recognised music acts.
Another milestone for African music
Ayra Starr’s selection highlights the growing presence of African artists at major international sporting events.
She follows other Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy, who has also performed on some of the biggest stages in global sport.
Ayra Starr ready for NFL spotlight
The October 11 performance will give Ayra Starr another major platform to showcase her music to a new audience.
For Nigerian entertainment and Afrobeats, her NFL London Games appearance represents another step in the genre’s continued global expansion.