Tems: From Grammy Award Winner to Football Club Owner

Nigerian-born Afrobeats star Temilade Openiy, also known as Tems has made history by becoming a part-owner of Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Diego FC. Joining through her company, The Leading Vibe, she is the first African female to hold ownership stakes in an MLS club.

A Passion for Community and Creativity
Tems, a two-time Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee joins a prestigious group of investors, including World Cup winner Juan Mata. She expressed her excitement about the venture, emphasizing the club’s focus on creativity, culture, and community. “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,” Tems 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.”

Joining Forces with Notable Investors
Tems joins an impressive lineup of investors, including World Cup champion Juan Mata and entertainment mogul Issa Rae, who was recently announced as a club partner. Her involvement is in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that previously led a group of investors in NBA Africa.

Read also: Nigeria’s Grammy journey: From King Sunny Ade to Tems

Early Life and Education
Born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1995, Tems moved to the UK with her parents shortly after birth. Following their divorce, she returned to Nigeria with her mother. She attended Dowen College and later earned an Economics degree from Monash South Africa.

From Choir to Music Career
During her secondary education, Tems faced bullying due to her voice. She joined her school choir at age 11 and began singing, eventually learning to play the piano with the help of her music teacher. She often practised singing with her brother, who played guitar. While studying economics, she wrote music and taught herself beat-making through YouTube tutorials.

Commitment to Youth Development
Beyond ownership, Tems is dedicated to nurturing young football talent through a partnership with the Right to Dream Academy. She sees parallels between music and sports in providing opportunities for young people, stating, “Music and sports are similar in the way they open doors for young talents and the next generation. This is why I’m proud to be part of this project, especially with Right to Dream Academy, in helping to grow and develop future stars.”

A Groundbreaking Investment in Football
With her new ownership stake in San Diego FC, Tems solidifies her status as a global icon, not only in music but also in sports ownership. Her investment bridges the worlds of music, culture, and football, paving the way for more African artists to expand into new industries.
Joining a Growing Trend
This venture aligns Tems with other celebrities investing in sports, including Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (Wrexham AFC), LeBron James (Liverpool FC), and Serena Williams (Angel City FC).

Recent Successes
This investment comes as Tems enjoys significant career success, having recently won her second Grammy for “Love Me JeJe” and previously winning a Grammy for her feature on Future’s “Wait for U.”

Her investment in football comes at a time when she is riding high on career success, having recently won her second Grammy for Love Me JeJe and previously securing a Grammy for her feature on Future’s Wait for U.

Looking Ahead to the Season
Tems is eagerly anticipating the new season and San Diego FC’s first match at Snapdragon Stadium on March 1, 2025. “I can’t wait for the season to start! I’ll see you at Snapdragon Stadium on March 1st,” she announced.