Nigerian singer Ayra Starr made history by becoming the first African artist to headline the National Football League (NFL) halftime show.
This follows the 24-year-old taking over the stage on Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London during halftime of the Philadelphia Eagles–Jacksonville Jaguars clash.
The Grammy-nominated Nigerian music star delivered a set that paired her soulful vocals with commanding stagecraft, running through hits including ‘Heaven Baby,’ ‘Santa,’ ‘Rush,’ ‘Hot Body’ and ‘Dangerous,’ along with tracks from her latest album, ‘Starrgirl.’
Speaking ahead of the performance, the 24-year-old said the slot itself carried meaning.
“It’s a message,” she said, stressing that it is “very important” for artistes to make the most of such platforms.
“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.”
