Burna Boy Takes Afrobeats to NFL Paris Game With Star-Studded Halftime Performance

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy brought African music to one of Europe’s biggest sporting stages after delivering a high energy halftime performance at the National Football League’s (NFL) first regular season game in Paris, France.

The Grammy winning singer performed on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Stade de France, where the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the New Orleans Saints. He was joined on stage by French singer Yseult, adding an international touch to the performance and creating a musical connection between Nigeria and France.

During the show, Burna Boy performed some of his popular songs, including ‘Ye’ and ‘Last Last’, bringing his signature Afro fusion sound to the stadium. His performance attracted attention as Afrobeats continued to gain recognition across international entertainment and sporting platforms.

The appearance marked another major moment in Burna Boy’s relationship with French audiences. In April 2025, he made history as the first African artiste to headline the Stade de France, performing to a large crowd at the iconic venue. His return for the NFL halftime show further strengthened his connection with the Paris music scene.

The NFL had announced Burna Boy as the headline performer in September, describing him as one of the defining voices of African music worldwide. The league said his previous success at the stadium and the popularity of African music in Paris made him a fitting choice for the historic event.

The Paris game was particularly significant for the NFL as it marked the first time the league staged a regular season match in France. The event formed part of its 2026 international programme, which featured games across seven countries and a record seven halftime performances.

Other artistes featured in the international entertainment lineup included Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who performed at the London game, as well as Ricky Martin, Pedro Sampaio, the Jonas Brothers, Cage the Elephant and The Warning at other international fixtures.

On the field, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16–10 in a match played before a packed stadium. Despite demonstrations that had taken place in Paris the previous day, the game unfolded in a festive atmosphere, with fans enjoying the historic sporting occasion.

Burna Boy’s performance represents another opportunity for Afrobeats to reach audiences beyond traditional music platforms. By taking Nigerian sounds to a major international sporting event, the singer continues to contribute to the growing global visibility of African music.