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

Nigerian-Beninese Afrobeats star Ayra Starr took the global stage on Sunday, October 11, during the National Football League (NFL) matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, United Kingdom.

Her PURPLE set opened with “Heaven Baby,” her collaboration with Zayn Malik, before moving through songs including “Santa,” “Rush” and “Dangerous,” and ending with a medley of “Hot Body” and “Ms. Paper.” 

Her performance formed part of the NFL’s 2026 International Games programme, which features seven halftime shows across seven countries and four continents, marking the league’s most international season to date.The question is not simply how many people watched her perform. It is how moments like this influence what global audiences recognise, explore and eventually embrace.

Ahead of the performance, Ayra Starr told BBC Newsbeat that the opportunity was significant because artists have a responsibility to represent their culture and the people who listen to their music. She also confirmed that her set would include songs from her third studio album, Starrgirl, released in August 2026

Ayra Starr performing is about African music gaining visibility on a major international sports platform.

The key question is whether this moment becomes more than a performance: does it introduce Ayra Starr to a new audience and create greater global demand for African artists?

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