Tyla is set to headline the 2026 WNBA All-Star halftime show in Chicago on Saturday (July 25), extending a remarkable run that has cemented her status as arguably the world’s most in-demand pop star.
Days after joining Shakira for a surprise performance in New York, the South African singer returns to another global stage.
The appearance adds another milestone for Tyla, Africa’s youngest Grammy winner and comes less than 24 hours after the release of her second studio album, APOP.
The halftime performance places Tyla before another global television audience at a time when demand for her live shows continues to grow.
It also builds on a year that has already included a standout appearance at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
Tyla makes history at WNBA All-Star halftime show
The WNBA confirmed that Tyla will headline the halftime entertainment during Saturday’s AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Chicago’s United Center.
The two-time Grammy winner has become the first South African artist to headline an NBA or WNBA All-Star halftime show.
She also joins Burna Boy, Tems and Rema as only the fourth African artist to perform during an All-Star event.
Speaking ahead of the performance, Tyla said: “I’m honored to be a part of the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game this year. These athletes bring so much power and heart to what they do, and I’m excited to share the stage and bring A*POP to my supporters.”
A*POP release gives Tyla fresh momentum before halftime show
Tyla’s WNBA All-Star performance comes less than 24 hours after the release of her second studio album, APOP*, giving the singer a global stage to introduce music from the new project.
The album features the singles “IS IT LOVE”, “CHANEL” and “SHE DID IT AGAIN” with Zara Larsson. NOWinSA recently explored the album’s release and what it signals for Tyla’s career in its A*POP feature.
The timing gives Tyla an opportunity to perform songs from the album before a live television audience in the United States, adding another high-profile appearance to a week that has already included her surprise performance with Shakira.
Shakira performance builds momentum before WNBA halftime show
Saturday’s appearance follows Tyla’s surprise performance with Shakira at Barclays Center in New York on Monday.
As Billboard reported, the pair shared the stage during Shakira’s current tour, with clips from the performance spreading quickly across social media.
The concert also featured Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran among its surprise guests. The Nigerian artist performed ‘Dai Dai‘, one of the latest releases highlighted in NOWinSA’s new music music roundup.
The WNBA All-Star halftime show now adds another major international performance to Tyla’s growing list of global appearances.
Coming immediately after the release of APOP* and her appearance alongside Shakira, Saturday’s show reinforces why the South African singer remains one of the most sought-after performers in pop music today.
