Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy is set for another major international stage after being announced as the headline performer for the halftime show of the 2026 NFL Paris Game.
The Grammy Award-winning singer, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, will perform at the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday, October 25, when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New Orleans Saints.
The game will mark the first regular-season NFL game to be played in France, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. ET).
For Burna Boy, the performance will also represent a return to a venue where he previously made history.
Burna Boy returns to Stade de France
The singer headlined a solo concert at Stade de France in April 2025, becoming the first African artist to headline a solo show at the stadium.
The concert on April 18, 2025, sold out all 80,000 tickets, according to the stadium.
Reflecting on his upcoming return, Burna Boy said Paris holds a special place in his career and that performing at the venue for the NFL event was significant to him.
“Paris gave me one of the biggest nights of my career, and to walk back into Stade de France for a moment like this means everything,” Burna Boy said.
He added that the NFL’s arrival in France represented a new moment for the country and an opportunity for him to showcase African music to an international audience.
NFL explains Burna Boy’s selection
The NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, said the significance of the league’s first game in France informed the choice of Burna Boy as the halftime headliner.
According to Tubito, African music has a strong connection with Paris, while Burna Boy already has a history of major performances at Stade de France.
“The first NFL game in France deserves a halftime moment that matches the occasion,” Tubito said.
The 2026 NFL Paris Game is being presented by American Express and staged in partnership with GL events, with support from the French Ministry of Sports.
Burna Boy’s performance is part of the NFL’s expanded international programme for the 2026 season, which features seven halftime shows across seven countries and four continents.
Nigerian stars on NFL international stages
Burna Boy’s Paris appearance comes as more Nigerian musicians continue to feature prominently on major international sports platforms.
Ayra Starr is scheduled to headline the halftime show at the NFL London Game on October 11, 2026, when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Other Nigerian artists have also performed at major global sporting events in recent years, including Davido, Tems, Rema, Yemi Alade, Femi Kuti and Kizz Daniel.
Their appearances have included events linked to the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, NBA and other major international sporting platforms.
Burna Boy’s growing global profile
Burna Boy has established a strong presence beyond the traditional Afrobeats circuit, with performances at some of the world’s biggest entertainment and sporting events.
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He won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for Twice As Tall in 2021 and has also performed at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show and the NBA All-Star Game.
He is also scheduled to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Shakira.
The NFL has not yet disclosed Burna Boy’s setlist for the Paris halftime show or confirmed whether he will be joined by any guest performers.
The full halftime performance will be broadcast live in France on France Télévisions and beIN Sports, while L’Équipe will broadcast the game later in the evening.