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Ayra Starr to headline NFL London Game halftime show

From The Punch · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Afrobeats star Ayra Starr will headline the halftime show at the 2026 NFL London Game, becoming the first major African artist to do so.
  • The performance is scheduled for October 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
  • The NFL highlighted Starr's talent and connection to the London music scene, emphasizing her role in carrying forward the influence of African music globally.

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is set to make history as the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show. The announcement came Thursday from the National Football League, confirming her performance at the 2026 NFL London Game on October 11.

The game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Starr, whose real name is Sarah Aderibigbe, shared her excitement on Instagram, calling the opportunity a "dream come true" and expressing her love for London. "I can’t wait to see you guys there!" she posted.

This landmark performance is part of the NFL's 2026 International Games series, which includes seven halftime shows presented by American Express across seven countries and four continents. The league's Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, praised Starr as a "major talent" with a strong connection to London's music scene.

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 StarrExpressing her excitement about headlining the NFL London Game halftime show.

"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 stated. He added that Starr is "the right artist to carry that momentum forward." The NFL anticipates a performance that matches the energy of the occasion, recognizing the significance of this moment for African music on a global stage.

Previously, halftime performers at NFL London games have predominantly been British and American artists. Starr's inclusion marks a significant milestone, reflecting the growing international influence of Afrobeats and African artists worldwide.

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. She is the right artist to carry that momentum forward.

— Tim TubitoNFL's Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, describing Ayra Starr's suitability for the performance.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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