The NFL announced who would be performing the National Anthem during the Kansas City Chiefs-Los Angeles Chargers Week 1 game in São Paulo, Brazil.
NFL Announces National Anthem Performer for Chiefs-Chargers Week 1 In Brazil originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
There are plenty of big games on the docket for the NFL’s Week 1 schedule, but one that is sure to draw a lot of eyeballs is the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
It marks the second straight season the NFL has played a season opener in Brazil following the Philadelphia Eagles’ 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers last year — a game full of dramatics that saw Eagles running back Saquon Barkley rush for 109 yards and two touchdowns and Packers quarterback Jordan Love go down with a concerning knee injury in the final 15 seconds.
While all eyes will presumably be on the quarterback duel between Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, another exciting part of the game that had fans talking on social media on Thursday was the NFL’s announcement that jazz musician Kamasi Washington will be performing the “Star Spangled Banner” before the game.
Washington, a Los Angeles native, has performed with several notable performers throughout his career including Chaka Khan, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Raphael Saadiq, Ryan Adams, Stanley Clarke, and Snoop Dogg, among others.
He’s also won multiple Libera Awards, created by the American Association of Independent Music, for Album of the Year, Best Jazz Album, Best Jazz Record, and Groundbreaking Album of the Year.
The reviews on social media over the NFL’s decision were mostly positive as several users hit the comment section to celebrate Washington’s opportunity.
Performing the U.S. National Anthem in São Paulo... @KamasiW! 🇺🇸
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2025
📺: Chiefs vs. Chargers -- Sept. 5 at 8PM ET on YouTube pic.twitter.com/L4mcXm9S4x
“This is soooooo dope! Kamasi is the best sax player living,” one fan declared.
“Should be a great show 🔥,” exclaimed another fan.
“Looking forward to it 🙌,” a third fan beamed.
“I'm happy, I'm a big fan of his music,” one user wrote on Instagram.
“Actual Huge NFL W. The sax skills are insane,” another user added on Instagram.
The NFL also announced that Ana Castela will be performing the Brazilian national anthem.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
