Nigerian artistes who have performed at international sporting events

The beauty of music is how it infuses itself into various aspects of life. Life without music could be a dull experience. While music used to be isolated, in recent times it has been adopted into sports. Nigerians now not only enjoy their favourite sporting events but also have some of their most loved artists perform, which makes the viewing experience much more pleasurable. Leadership highlights some Nigerian artistes who have graced some international sporting events.

Ayra Starr

 Nigerian Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr made history on October 11, 2026, as the first African artist to headline a halftime show at the National Football League International Games.

Burna Boy

 Grammy Award winner Burna Boy headlined the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show, FIFA World Cup Opening and Halftime Shows, and the NBA All-Star Game.

Tems

 Nigerian singer Tems made history as the first African artiste to perform at a FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 13, 2025. She performed her hit track “Love Me JeJe” and selections from her catalogue.

Davido

 Superstar singer Davido performed at the FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Draw, the AFCON Opening Concert in 2022 (Qatar World Cup), and the 2025/2026 AFCON in Morocco.

Femi Kuti

 On June 11, 2010, the Afrobeat legend became the first Nigerian artiste to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.

The event took place at Soccer City in Johannesburg as South Africa hosted the first FIFA World Cup ever staged on African soil.

Femi performed his hit song “Beng Beng Beng” before a global audience and shared the stage with an impressive lineup that included R. Kelly, Hugh Masekela, Khaled, Osibisa, TKZee, Hip Hop Pantsula, Thandiswa Mazwai, Timothy Moloi and the Soweto Gospel Choir.