Nigerian Afrobeats star Ayra Starr has celebrated a major career milestone after becoming the first African artist to headline the NFL’s international halftime show during the Philadelphia Eagles’ clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The 24-year-old singer described the experience as unforgettable after performing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her music on a global stage.
“It was crazy! It was amazing! I feel like that was another person on stage. It was amazing, I’m so grateful. Ate that, yummy!” Starr said after the performance.
She opened her set with Heaven Baby, her collaboration with former One Direction singer Zayn Malik, before entertaining the crowd with popular tracks including Rush and Hot Body.
Heaven Baby features on Starr’s album Starrgirl, released on August 14. The song’s official music video premiered on October 5, shortly before her NFL appearance.
Announced as the headline performer in August, Starr’s performance was part of a record seven halftime shows scheduled across the NFL’s 2026 international games.
Ahead of the event, the singer told BBC Newsbeat that representing African culture was an important part of her role as an international artist.
“At the end of the day, as artists, we speak for the culture and we speak for the people that listen to us,” she said, emphasising the importance of representing her audience.
Starr has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading contemporary music stars, gaining international recognition through her songs and performances. She has also become the first African woman to win Best International Act at the MOBO Awards and has surpassed one billion YouTube video views.
Her NFL appearance marks another significant achievement in her growing global career.
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