Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has become the first African artist to headline a halftime show at an NFL international game after performing during the Philadelphia Eagles’ clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The Grammy-nominated singer performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where she delivered a set featuring songs from her catalogue, including “Heaven Baby,” “Santa,” “Hot Body,” “Rush” and “Dangerous.”

The performance was part of the National Football League’s 2026 international games programme, which features seven halftime shows across four continents. She opened her set with “Heaven Baby,” her collaboration with British singer Zayn Malik, before performing other tracks from her repertoire.

Following the performance, Ayra Starr expressed excitement about the opportunity. In a reaction, she described the experience as amazing and said she was grateful for the moment. The appearance came less than two months after the release of her third studio album, Starrgirl, which arrived on August 14, 2026, through Mavin Records and Republic Records. The project includes collaborations with Zayn Malik, Leon Thomas, Wizkid, among others.

Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr gained popularity after joining Mavin Records in 2021. She rose to international fame with songs including “Rush,” which earned her a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. She received another Grammy nomination in the same category for “Gimme Dat,” her collaboration with Wizkid, at the 2026 awards. She has also won the BET Award for Best International Act and performed at the Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom.

Her NFL appearance forms part of the league’s expanding international programme, which brings regular-season American football games and live music performances to audiences outside the United States. The 2026 schedule includes games in London, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Munich and Mexico City, among other international markets. 

Nigerian singer and the 'African Giant', Burna Boy, is also scheduled to headline the halftime show at the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris on October 25.