Afrobeats star, Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, is set to become the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show when she performs at the 2026 NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11.
The National Football League announced this in a statement on Thursday, with the singer also confirming the performance in a post shared on her official Instagram account.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, with the halftime performance forming part of the NFL’s 2026 International Games.
“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 Starr said.
The NFL said the London performance would be one of seven halftime shows presented by American Express across its 2026 International Games, with performances scheduled across seven countries and four continents.
The league’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, described Ayra Starr as a major talent with a strong connection to the London audience.
“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 said.
He added that the singer was “the right artist to carry that momentum forward” and said the NFL looked forward to working with her on a performance that would match the energy of the occasion.
The performance will mark a major milestone for African music, as Ayra Starr will become the first major African artist to headline an NFL performance.
Previous performers at NFL London games have largely been British and American artistes.
The 2026 NFL London Game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. British Summer Time on October 11, with the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Jacksonville Jaguars.
