Afrobeats singer Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, is set to become the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
She will perform during the 2026 NFL London Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11.
The National Football League announced the development in a statement on Thursday, while Ayra Starr also confirmed the performance in a post on her official Instagram account.
The game will take place on Sunday, October 11, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as 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 will be one of seven halftime shows presented by American Express during its 2026 International Games. The performances will take place 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 Ayra Starr was “the right artist to carry that momentum forward” and said the NFL was looking forward to working with her on a performance that would reflect the energy of the occasion.
The performance will be a major milestone for African music, as Ayra Starr becomes the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
Previous performers at NFL London games have largely been British and American artistes.
The 2026 NFL London Game will begin at 2:30 p.m. British Summer Time on October 11, with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars.