Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste Tems, real names Temilade Openiyi, has been unveiled as a part-owner of American Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Diego FC.
The club announced the development on Wednesday, naming Tems as one of several investors.
“San Diego FC (SDFC) today announced 2x GRAMMY Award-winning, Oscar nominated, Lagos, Nigeria-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tems, through her company The Leading Vibe, as the latest addition to the Club’s ownership group,” the club said in a statement.
“Known for her effortless, one-of-a-kind, warm, vibrational sound, Tems brings her creative spirit and passion for community to the world of soccer as SDFC’s Club Partner.”
Tems, who won her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance with the hit song ‘Love Me JeJe’ this month, said she was delighted to become a football club part-owner.
“I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” she said.
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
San Diego FC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said: “We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner.
“Tems is a globally significant artiste who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization.”
“Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “We are honoured to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.”
The club paid glowing tribute to Tems, writing: “Tems has captivated audiences worldwide with her music, earning accolades such as a GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” from her acclaimed debut album Born In The Wild, as well as a GRAMMY award for her work on Future’s chart-topping, triple platinum single “Wait for U,” and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her work on “Lift Me Up,” the lead single off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
“Her artistry and authenticity have made her an icon of empowerment and cultural connection – values that align seamlessly with San Diego FC’s vision to unite communities through the global game.
“The Lagos, Nigeria native joins a distinguished group of Club Partners who share a commitment to excellence and community engagement, including trailblazing actress Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and founding partner and San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star Manny Machado.
“Tems is joining San Diego FC is in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021.
“Tems joins a group of influential global figures whose personal journeys and achievements deeply align with the values and vision of both Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC.
“As part of this commitment, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments, will also join the San Diego FC ownership group.
“Together, this diverse group brings their individual global platforms, influence, and personal commitment to amplify the mission of Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC – to inspire and empower communities meaningfully on and off the pitch.”
San Diego FC were founded in May 2023 as an expansion team and will begin playing in the 2025 season as the 30th side in the MLS.
Their home ground is the 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
