Ayra Starr to Make History as First Afrobeats Artist to Headline NFL International Halftime Show

In a groundbreaking milestone for African music, Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has been tapped to headline the halftime festivities at the NFL’s forthcoming International Game in London this autumn.

The Nigerian-born global star will perform midway through the gridiron clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 11, hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fixture is slated for a 2:30 p.m. BST (9:30 a.m. ET) kickoff, cementing Starr’s place as the premier Afrobeats artist ever invited to helm an NFL International Series halftime production.

Presented in partnership with American Express, the showcase is part of an unprecedented seven-halftime entertainment slate across the league’s global tour this season. Audiences across the United Kingdom will be able to watch the performance live via free-to-air broadcast on Channel 5 and through Sky Sports.

The momentous booking coincides with the stellar reception of her third studio LP, Starrgirl, which secured a top-five debut at No. 4 on the Billboard World Albums Chart.

“London holds a truly special place in my heart, and getting to share the Starrgirl experience on the NFL’s worldwide platform is an absolute dream come true,” Starr shared. “I cannot wait to light up the stage for everyone there.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Tim Tubito, the NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music, and Entertainment, highlighted the strategic alignment between the league and London’s cultural pulse:

“Our London fixtures serve as the bedrock of the NFL’s global growth, with the halftime spectacle becoming a centerpiece of that dynamic fan experience. London remains one of the world’s most influential creative capitals, and African sounds have driven that cultural discourse for years. Ayra Starr is an extraordinary talent whose connection with this audience is undeniable, making her the perfect choice to carry that creative momentum forward.”

Starr joins an eclectic array of marquee performers featured in the NFL’s worldwide concert roster. Pop trio the Jonas Brothers will take the stage during the league’s Melbourne fixture on September 10, while international pop icon Ricky Martin and Brazilian DJ Pedro Sampaio are set to lead the entertainment in Rio de Janeiro on September 27.

London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host two regular-season showdowns this October, kicking off with the Indianapolis Colts facing the Washington Commanders on October 4 ahead of Starr’s headlining appearance the following week. The NFL’s international calendar also includes stops in Paris, Munich, Madrid, and Mexico City.

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