Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr has broken new ground after becoming the first African artiste to headline a halftime show organised by the National Football League (NFL).
The 24-year-old performer took centre stage on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, where the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL fixture.
During the break, the Grammy-nominated singer entertained spectators with a selection of her songs, combining her signature vocals with an energetic stage performance.
Her set featured several fan favourites, including ‘Heaven Baby,’ ‘Santa,’ ‘Rush,’ ‘Hot Body’ and ‘Dangerous’, alongside songs from her latest album, ‘Starrgirl’.
Speaking before the performance, Ayra Starr said the opportunity represented a significant platform for artistes to connect with audiences and represent the culture behind their music.
“It’s a message,” she said, highlighting the importance of making meaningful use of such opportunities.
“At the end of the day, as artists, we speak for the culture and we speak for the people that listen to us,” she added. “And we have to represent any way that seems fit, that they need.”
The singer, whose real name is Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, rose to international prominence in 2021 with the release of ‘Bloody Samaritan’.
Prompt News reports the song helped introduce her music to a wider audience, paving the way for her emergence as one of the Nigerian artistes gaining recognition on the global stage.
Her music catalogue includes her debut album, ‘19 & Dangerous’, released in 2021, and ‘The Year I Turned 21’, which followed in 2024.
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Over the years, Ayra Starr has earned several award nominations and accolades, further expanding her profile beyond Nigeria.
Her appearance at the NFL event adds another milestone to her career, placing her among African performers who have secured opportunities to showcase their music at major international events.
