Ayra Starr Set to Headline NFL London Game Halftime Show
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| Ayra Starr (Nigerian singer-songwriter) |
Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr (Sarah Aderibigbe) is set to make history as the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
The National Football League confirmed Thursday that the Nigerian singer will perform during the 2026 NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 11, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The performance, which Ayra Starr also confirmed via her official Instagram account, forms a key highlight of the league’s 2026 International Games series.
“I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show in London.
“London is one of my favourite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!” Ayra Starr said.
According to the NFL, the London appearance will form part of a broader global push, serving as one of seven halftime shows presented by American Express across seven countries and four continents during the 2026 International Games series.
Tim Tubito, the NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music, and Entertainment, highlighted the artist's strong international appeal, describing Starr as a major talent who shares a deep connection with London audiences.
“London is one of the most influential music cities in the world, and African music has been at the centre of that conversation for years now,” Tubito said.
Tubito added that the singer was "the right artist to carry that momentum forward," emphasizing that the NFL looks forward to collaborating with her to deliver a performance worthy of the event's high energy.
The upcoming show marks a historic milestone for African music, securing Ayra Starr's position as the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime performance—a space historically dominated by British and American acts.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 11, the 2026 NFL London Game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles against the Jacksonville Jaguars, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. British Summer Time.
