Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has shattered yet another global barrier by becoming the first African artist to headline the FIFA Club World Cup final, captivating fans across continents during her performance at the Chelsea vs PSG showdown on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
Thousands at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar and millions more watching around the world were treated to an emotionally-charged set, as the Nigerian singer delivered flawless renditions of her hit singles Essence, Born in the Wild, and Free Mind. Her performance marked a pivotal cultural moment, merging Afrobeats with football on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The announcement by FIFA and co-host Global Citizen sparked global buzz prior to the match, drawing enthusiastic reactions from both music lovers and football fans. Tems’ presence at the final placed her in the league of global icons such as Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, who previously headlined major FIFA events.
Tems, a Grammy winner since 2021 for her feature on Wait For U by Future and Drake, continues to rise as a musical force. She clinched the Grammy Award again in February 2025 in the new Best African Performance category, solidifying her role as one of the continent’s most influential artists.
FIFA officials commended her selection as symbolic of the sport’s growing intersection with African creativity and youth culture. “Tems represents a dynamic Africa — confident, creative, and unafraid to take the world stage,” said a spokesperson from Global Citizen.
This historic performance not only elevated the entertainment value of the final but reinforced Tems’ global appeal as an ambassador of African sound. As her voice soared through the stadium, so did the pride of a continent long overlooked in global entertainment headlines.
With this milestone, Tems continues to set new standards, rewriting the narrative of African artistry and leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of sports and global pop culture.
