Nigerian singer Burna Boy headlined the halftime show at the National Football League’s first regular-season game in France, joining French singer Yseult to bring Afrobeats and international pop to Stade de France in Paris on Sunday.
The Grammy-winning artiste performed during the Week Seven clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, which ended in a 16–10 victory for Pittsburgh.
Burna Boy opened his set with ‘4 Kampe II’, his collaboration with French-Haitian singer Joe Dwet File, released on March 27, 2025.
The track is a remix of Dwet File’s original ‘4 Kampe’, which gained popularity through its infectious rhythm and a dance trend on social media. It blends Afrobeats with kompa, a Haitian music genre, alongside dancehall and Caribbean influences.
Burna Boy’s vocals move between English, French and Haitian Creole, reflecting the cross-cultural influences behind the song. The title draws on Haitian Creole expressions associated with standing firm or holding one’s ground, although its precise meaning depends on the context.
The Nigerian star also performed some of his popular songs, including ‘Ye’, ‘On the Low’ and ‘Last Last’, turning the halftime break into a showcase of his catalogue for fans gathered at the Paris venue.
French singer Yseult joined him on stage, adding a local dimension to the performance. Known for her powerful vocals and blend of pop and soul, she complemented Burna Boy’s Afrobeats sound at an event designed to appeal to audiences beyond the NFL’s traditional American fan base.
The performance marked another milestone for Burna Boy at Stade de France. In 2025, he became the first African artiste to headline a solo concert at the venue, strengthening his position as one of the continent’s leading musical exports.
He returned to the stadium about 18 months later for the NFL’s historic Paris fixture, combining a major sporting event with a showcase of African and French musical talent.
The game marked a significant expansion of the NFL’s international programme, which has included regular-season fixtures in London and Germany. Bringing the competition to Paris placed American football in one of Europe’s most recognisable sporting venues.
Burna Boy and Yseult’s appearance also highlighted the role of local and international music in connecting the league with audiences in overseas markets.
While the Steelers left France with the victory, the halftime show offered a separate highlight, with Burna Boy bringing Afrobeats to an event that showcased the NFL’s growing global ambitions.
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