Burna Boy Makes History Again As He Lands Major NFL Paris Game Halftime Show

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, is set to headline the halftime show at the 2026 National Football League (NFL) Paris Game scheduled for October 25 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Burna Boy will perform when the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New Orleans Saints in what will be the NFL’s first regular-season game in France. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. Central European Summer Time, equivalent to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

The performance will mark another major international appearance for the Nigerian artiste, who previously made history at the Stade de France in April 2025 by becoming the first African artiste to headline a solo concert at the venue. His April 18, 2025 concert reportedly sold out all 80,000 available tickets.

Reacting to the NFL announcement, Burna Boy said returning to the stadium for such a significant occasion was deeply meaningful to him. He said Paris had given him one of the biggest moments of his career and expressed his intention to deliver a memorable performance while representing African music.

The NFL’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, said Burna Boy was chosen for the halftime performance because of the significance of the league’s first regular-season game in France. He also highlighted the strong connection between African music and the Parisian audience, as well as Burna Boy’s previous success at the Stade de France.

The Paris halftime performance is one of seven shows planned for the NFL’s 2026 International Games, which will take place across seven countries and four continents. Other artistes announced for the international games include the Jonas Brothers in Melbourne, Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin in Rio de Janeiro, Ayra Starr in London, Cage The Elephant in Munich and The Warning in Mexico City.

Burna Boy has continued to establish himself as one of Nigeria’s leading global music figures. He won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for his album “Twice As Tall” and has performed at several major international sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show in Istanbul in 2023 and the NBA All-Star Game the same year.

The singer is also scheduled to perform alongside Colombian superstar Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are expected to feature their collaboration, “Dai Dai.”

The NFL Paris Game is being organised in partnership with GL events, with support from France’s Ministry of Sports. Burna Boy’s complete halftime performance will be broadcast live in France on France Télévisions and beIN Sports, while L’Équipe is scheduled to air the game later in the evening.

Details of Burna Boy’s setlist and whether he will be joined by additional performers have not yet been announced.

His upcoming NFL appearance comes as several Nigerian artistes continue to secure prominent spots at major international sporting events. 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 artistes who have appeared at major sporting events include Davido, who performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar; Tems, who performed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final in New Jersey; Rema, who performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris; and Yemi Alade, who featured at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Femi Kuti previously performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in South Africa, while D’banj appeared at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations closing ceremony. Kizz Daniel and Patoranking also performed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Qatar, while Wizkid has featured at major international events including the inaugural World Tennis League and Gamers8 in Saudi Arabia.

Fireboy DML has also appeared at the BET Awards, while his song “Scatter” was selected for the official soundtrack of EA Sports FIFA 21