Ayra Starr becomes first African artist to headline NFL International Games halftime show
TheGrio...
The Nigerian singer performed some of her biggest hits during the Eagles-Jaguars game in London, marking another milestone in her international career
Ayra Starr became the first African artist to headline an NFL International Games halftime show on Sunday, October 11, taking the stage during the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The 24-year-old performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the teams’ regular-season matchup. TheCable reported on October 11 that her set included “Heaven Baby,” “Santa,” “Rush,” “Hot Body,,” and “Dangerous,” along with material from her latest album, “Starrgirl.”
Her show began with “Heaven Baby,” a collaboration with Zayn Malik, before moving through songs that helped introduce her music to audiences beyond Nigeria. Footage circulated online showing the singer performing in front of the London crowd and delivering a medley that included “Hot Body” and “Ms. Paper.”
Before taking the stage, Starr spoke about the meaning of representing her audience at an event organized by one of America’s biggest sports leagues. “At the end of the day, as artists, we speak for the culture, and we speak for the people that listen to us,” she said.
Afterward, the singer celebrated the experience. “It was crazy! It was amazing!” she said in a video shared online, adding that she was grateful for the opportunity.
The NFL announced her booking in August as part of seven halftime performances planned for its 2026 International Games, scheduled across seven countries and four continents. The league said Starr had accumulated more than seven billion global streams since her 2021 debut and described the London appearance as part of its effort to connect with international fans.
“I Feel like that Was Another Person on Stage. It was Amazing, Im so Grateful. Ate that, Yummy!” — Ayra Starr after her NFL performance 🤩 https://t.co/aItHKDbmPX
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) October 11, 2026
The Afrobeats star released her third studio album, “Starrgirl, “in August, with collaborations featuring Zayn Malik, Leon Thomas and Wizkid. The London halftime show gave Ayra Starr another major stage just weeks after its release.
Jacksonville defeated Philadelphia 19-17, with Cam Little kicking a 57-yard field goal in the final seconds. For Starr, the day also marked a new milestone in her international career.
On Monday, following the halftime performance, Ayra Starr announced plans for her upcoming “Starrgirl” world tour, revealing presale tickets will become available Wednesday, with regular ticket sales launching Friday.