Ayra Starr Makes History as First African Artist to Headline NFL Halftime Show

Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has made history as the first African artist to headline an NFL International Game halftime show, taking African music to another global stage.

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, the singer performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London during the NFL game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars. She entertained a crowd of more than 61,000 people with hits including Rush, Santa, Hot Body and Heaven Baby.

Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Ayra Starr is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for blending Afrobeats, pop and R&B. Her rise to fame began in 2021 after music executive Don Jazzy discovered her on social media and signed her to Mavin Records. That year, she released her self-titled debut EP and her first album, 19 & Dangerous. However, it was her 2022 hit Rush that significantly expanded her international audience.

Ayra Starr’s achievements include a BET Award for Best International Act, two Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance and a performance at Glastonbury Festival in the UK. Her hit Rushbecame one of the most successful songs by a Nigerian female artist, while her music has amassed billions of streams worldwide. In August 2026, she released her third studio album, Starrgirl, featuring collaborations with international artists.

Her NFL halftime performance is another milestone in a career that continues to push Nigerian music onto the world stage. From posting song covers online to performing before thousands at an international sporting event, Ayra Starr’s journey is a reminder that African talent belongs on the world’s biggest stages.

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