Ayra Starr makes history at NFL halftime show in London

By Anuoluwa Amao

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has become the first African artiste to headline a halftime show at an NFL International Games fixture, following her performance in London on Sunday.

The Afrobeats star took the stage during the National Football League game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

She opened her set with “Heaven Baby” before performing “Santa”, “Rush” and “Dangerous”. She closed with a medley of “Hot Body” and “Ms. Paper”.

Ayra Starr later highlighted the milestone in a post on her official X account, describing herself as the first African artiste to headline an NFL International Games halftime show.

Her performance was part of the NFL’s 2026 International Games, which feature regular-season fixtures played outside the United States.

The singer, whose music career took off in 2020, rose to prominence with her 2021 debut album, 19 & Dangerous. She has since gained international recognition with songs including “Rush”, “Bloody Samaritan” and “Commas”.

Her appearance at the London fixture adds to the growing presence of Nigerian artistes on international stages.