Nigerian Afrobeats star Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has been announced as the headline performer for the halftime show at the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Paris Game.
The Grammy Award-winning singer will perform on October 25 at the Stade de France when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the New Orleans Saints in what will be the NFL’s first regular-season game in France.
Burna Boy welcomed the announcement, recalling his previous performance at the iconic Paris stadium. He became the first African artist to headline a solo concert at the Stade de France in April 2025.
“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 would provide an opportunity to showcase African music to an international audience.
“The NFL is bringing something to France that has never happened here before, and I get to stand in the middle of it representing African music,” he said.
Tim Tubito, the NFL’s senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment, said Burna Boy was suited to the occasion because of his connection to Paris and the popularity of African music in the city.
“The first NFL game in France deserves a halftime moment that matches the occasion,” Tubito said.
The performance will form part of a record seven halftime shows planned across the NFL’s 2026 International Games, which span seven countries and four continents. Other announced performers include Ayra Starr, Ricky Martin, Pedro Sampaio, Cage The Elephant and The Warning.
Burna Boy’s selection is significant for Nigeria’s global music profile, placing an Afrobeats artist at the centre of the NFL’s first regular-season game in France. His performance also continues the growing connection between African music and major international sporting events.
Burna Boy won a Grammy for his 2020 album Twice as Tall and has built an international career through albums, global tours and major stadium performances.
