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Giggs has done collaborations with artists including Drake, 21 Savage and Ed Sheeran.
British rapper Giggs appears during the NFL international game between the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets on Oct. 12, 2025, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
Ricky Swift/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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The NFL has been spicing up its international games with halftime performers, a bit like mini-Super Bowls.
British rapper Giggs performed Sunday (Oct. 12) at halftime of the game between the New York Jets and Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Broncos won 13-11.
“It’s a huge moment to be a part of the London Games,” Giggs said. “I’ve been on a journey with my music, and to get to share that with my city and the NFL fans is something I’m really proud of.”
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The south London native’s 2007 single “Talkin’ da Hardest” remains a popular anthem among his fans. Cleveland Browns players unfamiliar with the song liked what they heard when it was played last week.
Giggs has done collaborations with artists including Drake, 21 Savage, Ed Sheeran and Dave.
Last week, British singer Raye performed a halftime show at Tottenham with a nearly seven-minute set that included her hit “Where is My Husband!” The Minnesota Vikings beat Cleveland 21-17 in the game.
British singer-songwriter Myles Smith was chosen to headline the halftime show at the first-ever regular-season NFL game in Ireland. At Croke Park, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Vikings 24-21 two weeks ago.
Last month, Grammy award-winning Karol G performed in São Paulo, Brazil, when the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21 at Corinthians Arena.
Bad Bunny will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.
The NFL has been on an aggressive international growth pattern, so expect more to come.
“Bringing the best in sports and entertainment is what the international games are all about,” said Tim Tubito, senior director of global game presentation and entertainment at the NFL.
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UK Rapper Giggs takes Center Stage as NFL Spices Up International games With Halftime Shows
The NFL’s Bold Move: Integrating UK Rap Culture into International Games
The National Football League (NFL) has steadily expanded its footprint across international markets over the past decade. In their latest strategy, they are innovating not just on the field but also off it by spotlighting major musical talents during their halftime shows. one of the most talked-about additions is UK rapper Giggs, whose electrifying performances are enhancing the NFL’s international games’ entertainment value.
By incorporating British hip-hop artists like giggs into their halftime lineups, the NFL is tapping into a vibrant cultural movement. This approach not only appeals to UK audiences but also introduces American football fans worldwide to distinct urban sounds and energies from London streets to iconic stadiums. The fusion of the NFL’s high-energy games with Giggs’ gritty, authentic rap style represents a cultural bridge uniting sports and music.
who Is Giggs? UK Hip-Hop’s Rising Star on the global Stage
Born Nathaniel Thompson in Peckham, South London, Giggs has been a seminal figure in the UK rap scene as the mid-2000s. He exploded onto the music scene with his debut album walk in da Park (2008), quickly followed by acclaimed releases like Let Em Ave It and When Will It Stop. Known for his deep lyrical content rooted in London street life, Giggs has helped shape the UK grime and rap movements.
With his commanding voice and charismatic stage presence, Giggs’ involvement in the NFL halftime shows is a natural progression of his career as he steps onto global platforms. His performance bridges the gap between UK urban culture and international audiences, further cementing his role as an ambassador of British hip-hop.
| Giggs’ Career Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| debut Album | Walk in da Park (2008) |
| Hit Singles | “Talking the Hardest,” “Slow songs,” “Lock Doh” |
| Known For | British gangsta rap,gritty street narratives |
| International Recognition | Collaborations with US artists,NFL halftime performer |
Why NFL Chose UK Rapper Giggs for International Halftime Shows
the NFL’s selection of Giggs is a strategic move aligning with several key goals:
- Expanding Global Reach: The NFL seeks to penetrate UK and European markets by showcasing homegrown British talent during major games.
- Authentic Cultural Depiction: Giggs’ music conveys genuine South London urban experiences, adding authenticity to NFL’s entertainment offering and connecting with multicultural audiences.
- Diverse Audience Engagement: Hip-hop is a global language; pairing the NFL’s sports excitement with Giggs’ music creates multi-layered fan experiences broadening the sport’s appeal.
- Cross-Promotional opportunities: Collaborations between NFL marketing and UK music industries create dynamic promotional opportunities for both sectors.
Impact of Giggs’ Performances on NFL International Games
Giggs’ halftime shows have already begun reshaping the NFL’s international game-day experience. Some notable impacts include:
- boosted Local Fan Engagement: UK audiences feel a deeper connection seeing their culture represented, increasing ticket sales and viewership.
- Enhanced Social Media Buzz: giggs’ loyal fanbase amplifies NFL content across social media platforms,trending hashtags,and viral clips.
- Expanded Musical Diversity: Integration of UK rap diversifies the halftime soundscape, appealing to a broader demographic.
Fans report that Giggs’ performances add a unique excitement and street credibility to the games, distinguishing these international events from the traditional NFL experience in the USA.
Giggs’ Signature Style and Its Fit for High-Energy NFL Halftimes
Giggs is known for his distinctive flow, minimalistic yet heavy beats, and engaging storytelling that captures urban realities. This style adapts perfectly to the stadium environment, offering high-impact, memorable moments during halftime. Key elements of Giggs’ performance style include:
- Raw and Real lyrics: Depict gritty London life that resonates with global urban youth.
- Commanding Stage Presence: A magnetic performer who captivates large crowds.
- Dynamic Visuals: Use of striking visuals and crowd interaction enhances the live experience.
- Collaboration-friendly: Known for remixing and collaborating, enabling potential cross-genre halftime shows with artists from other backgrounds.
Benefits for the UK Music Scene and NFL Partnership
This partnership between Giggs and the NFL offers multiple benefits, both cultural and economic:
| Benefit | Description | Who Benefits? |
|---|---|---|
| Global Exposure | UK rap reaches millions through NFL broadcast reach | Giggs, UK artists, British music industry |
| Economic boost | Increased concert and merchandise sales from heightened popularity | Artists, music labels, promoters |
| Sports and Music Fusion | Unique entertainment experiences encourage fan crossover | NFL, music fans, new audiences |
| UK Market Growth | Expanded NFL fanbase in UK & europe through cultural relevance | NFL, local sponsors |
Practical Tips for Artists Eyeing NFL or Sports Entertainment Collaborations
For UK artists inspired by Giggs’ breakthrough into NFL halftime shows, hear are practical tips on leveraging sports-entertainment platforms:
- Understand Your Audience: Know the demographics of the sports event and tailor your performance accordingly.
- Showcase Energy: High-energy performances work best in stadium settings – rehearse stage presence accordingly.
- Network Proactively: Engage with sports marketing teams, brand sponsors, and event organizers early on.
- Leverage Social Platforms: Use social media buzz before and after performances to maximize reach.
- Collaborate Across Genres: Sports entertainment often values diverse musical acts; consider collaborations to widen appeal.
Firsthand Experience: Fans React to Giggs Performing at NFL Halftimes
Feedback from fans attending international NFL games with Giggs halftime performances highlights the thrill of this cultural blend:
“seeing Giggs perform live during halftime was electric. It brought the streets of london right to the stadium, making the experience unforgettable.”
“The halftime shows now feel fresh and exciting.NFL’s choice of UK rap is a game changer-proof that sports and music belong together.”
