Nigerian singer Ayra Starr headlined the halftime show during the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday, 11 October.
BBC Newsbeat described her as the first African artist to headline a halftime show at an NFL international game. The NFL had announced her booking in August.
Her set included “Rush”, “Hot Body” and “Heaven Baby”, her collaboration with ZAYN, according to Pulse Sports. The performance brought her Afrobeats music to an American football audience in London.
Starr says she is grateful
Speaking after the show, Starr said she was excited and grateful for the experience.
“It was crazy! It was amazing! I feel like that was another person on stage. It was amazing, I’m so grateful,” she said, according to Pulse Sports.
Before the performance, she told BBC Newsbeat that artists should use such opportunities to represent their cultures and listeners. She also said she was rehearsing for a set featuring songs from her latest album, Starrgirl.
More international performances
Starrgirl was released on 14 August through Mavin Records and Republic Records.
Starr has received two Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance, the Recording Academy confirms. “Rush” was nominated in 2024, followed by “Gimme Dat”, featuring Wizkid, in 2026. She has also performed at Glastonbury.
Her London appearance formed part of the NFL’s expanded programme of international halftime shows. Other performers this season include the Jonas Brothers in Melbourne and Ricky Martin with Pedro Sampaio in Rio de Janeiro.
The league has also announced Burna Boy for its Paris halftime show on 25 October.
