Burna Boy and Ayra Starr to headline Half Time shows at NFL International Games

Burna Boy is set to headline the Half Time show at the 2026 NFL Paris Game 🏈🇫🇷 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints next month, the first NFL game in France.

This follows the announcement that Ayra Starr will be headlining the Half Time show at the 2026 NFL London Game 🏈🇬🇧 between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

There has been an exciting and noticeable trend in the increase of Afrobeats and Afropop artists performing global sports stages. This follows:

🌍 Burna Boy performing with Shakira at World Cup Opening and Closing ceremonies

🌍 World Cup Opening Ceremonies and Countdown Concerts saw performances from Rayvanny, Davido, Vegedream, Tyla and Rema.

🌍 Tems performing at the 2025 Club World Cup Half Time show.

🌍 Davido performing at the 2022 World Cup Closing ceremony 

🌍 Burna Boy, Tems and Rema performing at the NBA All Star weekend in 2023

🌍 Burna Boy performing at the 2023 UEFA Champions League Finals

🌍 Rema performing at the 2023 Ballon D’or Ceremony

Exciting times for the genres and artists, especially given that sporting events are undoubtedly the biggest stages in the world. These opportunities will continue to amplify the genres and artists, as well as introduce them to new, global audiences.

For us at Talking Drums opportunities such as these also lead to an increase in tourism across Africa, with music, sports and cuisine encouraging travellers to explore the continent more.