Tems Makes History As First African Artist To Perform At FIFA Club World Cup Final.
Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, has etched her name in history as the first African artist to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show. The landmark performance took place on Sunday, 13 July 2025, during the highly anticipated final match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tems captivated a global audience with her soulful vocals and commanding stage presence, marking a significant moment for African music on one of football’s grandest stages.
The event, co-produced by FIFA and Global Citizen, saw Tems share the stage with international stars J Balvin and Doja Cat, with surprise appearances from Coldplay and Emmanuel Kelly. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the 15-minute halftime show was a vibrant celebration of music and football, designed to mirror the spectacle of the Super Bowl. Tems opened her set with her Grammy-winning hit “Love Me JeJe,” a modern reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, followed by fan favourites like “Essence” and tracks from her critically acclaimed album *Born in the Wild*. Her performance, blending Afro-fusion with elegant stagecraft, left the stadium buzzing and social media alight with praise for her vocal mastery and cultural impact.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted across 12 venues in 11 American cities, marked its first-ever halftime show, a bold move to fuse elite football with world-class entertainment. Tems’ inclusion was no coincidence; her rising global influence, underscored by two Grammy Awards and collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Drake, and Future, made her a fitting choice to represent Africa. Her performance in front of dignitaries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, further amplified the event’s prominence. Fans on X celebrated the moment, with one user noting, “Tems brought the soul, the sound, and the presence — half the stadium probably forgot they were waiting for the second half.”
Beyond the music, the halftime show carried a deeper purpose. It supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and football for children worldwide. Tems, reflecting on the event, said, “We’re bringing the world together to celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children.” Her involvement in the sports world extends beyond performing; she recently became the first African woman to hold ownership stakes in a Major League Soccer club, San Diego FC, further cementing her trailblazing status.
Tems’ journey from Lagos to global stardom has been remarkable. Rising to fame with “Essence” alongside Wizkid, she has earned multiple accolades, including four BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards. Her performance at the Club World Cup places her among an elite group of artists like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez who have graced FIFA’s global stage. As Chelsea clinched a 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain to become the first champions of the expanded 32-team tournament, Tems’ halftime show stood out as a cultural milestone, proving that African music has firmly arrived on the world’s biggest platforms.
Social media erupted with pride, with fans calling her performance “a declaration that African women in music are stealing the spotlight.” Tems’ ability to blend serenity and strength resonated deeply, reinforcing her as a global icon. As one X post put it, “Tems isn’t just a part of global pop culture — she is the moment.” This historic performance not only showcased her artistry but also highlighted the growing influence of Afrobeats, uniting football and music in a powerful celebration of culture and purpose.
