Ayra Starr, the Afrobeats star, has explained why her upcoming NFL halftime show is important, saying the historic opportunity “itself is a message”.
The Grammy-nominated singer will headline the halftime show during the National Football League (NFL) game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday, October 11.
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat ahead of the performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 24-year-old said artistes must use such platforms to represent their culture and audiences.
“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.
“And we have to represent any way that seems fit, that they need.”
Ayra Starr speaks on cultural representation
The singer stressed that artistes must make the most of opportunities to reach wider audiences. She sees her historic booking as a chance to represent African music on an international stage.
The performance will make her the first African artiste to headline an NFL halftime show. The game is part of the league’s international fixtures.
Ayra Starr also confirmed that her set would feature songs from her latest album, Starrgirl, which dropped in August.
“Sunday is gonna be amazing,” she said.
“I’m still in rehearsals. It’s a lot of work we’re putting in, so I’m really excited.”
Ayra Starr’s rise to global fame
Born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, the singer rose to international prominence with her 2021 hit single Bloody Samaritan.
She has since become a prominent figure in the global music scene, earning several awards and nominations.
Her discography includes her debut album, 19 & Dangerous, released in 2021, and The Year I Turned 21, which followed in 2024.
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