Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has expanded her influence beyond the entertainment industry by officially joining the ownership group of Brazilian football club San Diego FC as a club partner.
The multiple award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, who recently clinched the 2025 Grammy for Best African Music Performance, is making waves not only in music but also in sports. Fresh off the success of her hit song Love Me Jeje, which contributed to her second Grammy win, Tems is now setting her sights on shaping the future of football through strategic investments.
Tems announced the groundbreaking partnership via her Instagram page on Wednesday, sharing her excitement about becoming part of San Diego FC’s ownership team. “I am so stoked to announce I have officially joined the @sandiegofc ownership group as a Club Partner,” she wrote.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the club’s mission, she added, “I get to be a part of a family that encompasses everything I believe in with the SDFCs @right2dream initiative, which is all about giving young talents the opportunity to shine both on and off the field. This is more than a club—it’s a movement. Can’t wait for what’s ahead @mls #SanDiegoFC #RightToDream.”
As part of the partnership, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, the firm’s Founding Director, have also joined San Diego FC’s ownership group. Pave Investments, an African private investment firm, has a history of championing sports development, notably leading a group of investors in NBA Africa in 2021.
San Diego FC has embraced Tems as a cultural icon whose commitment to empowerment aligns perfectly with the club’s core values. The club’s Right to Dream Academy initiative, which focuses on nurturing young talent, is a key aspect of this collaboration.
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“Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide. We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “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.”
This bold move marks a groundbreaking crossover between music and sports, further cementing Tems’ status as an influential global figure. With her dedication to youth empowerment, she is ensuring that football, like music, remains a platform for inspiration and change.
Beyond her foray into sports ownership, Tems continues to make history in the music industry. She has captivated audiences worldwide, earning accolades including a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me Jeje” from her debut album Born In The Wild, as well as a Grammy for her work on Future’s triple-platinum hit “Wait for U”, and an Academy Award nomination.
