Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has made history by becoming the first African artiste to headline the FIFA Club World Cup final.
The globally celebrated songstress took the spotlight during the closing ceremony of the match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
The match, which took place at a packed stadium, wasn’t just a football showdown—it also served as a powerful showcase of African talent on the world stage. Tems delivered an electrifying performance that captivated both fans in the arena and millions watching across the globe.
The announcement of Tems as the headliner was made days earlier by FIFA and Global Citizen, co-producers of the high-profile sporting event. The news quickly went viral and generated excitement across social media platforms. Music lovers and football fans alike expressed their enthusiasm, proud to see an African artiste achieve such a major milestone.
When Tems finally took the stage, she didn’t disappoint. Dressed in a dazzling outfit that reflected her signature style, she opened her set with the chart-topping track “Essence”, her hit collaboration with Wizkid that gained global attention in 2021.
She followed with powerful performances of “Born in the Wild”, the title track from her 2025 debut studio album, and the soulful “Free Mind.” Her stage presence, vocals, and energy earned praise from fans and critics worldwide.
Tems now joins a prestigious group of global superstars who have performed at FIFA events, including Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. While Shakira set the tone with her iconic 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka,” and Jennifer Lopez rocked the stage in 2014, Tems’ 2025 appearance marks the first time an African artist has been placed in the headliner spotlight for the Club World Cup final.
Her inclusion signals a growing recognition of African talent on global platforms, and it reinforces her status as one of the continent’s most successful and influential musical exports.
Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, has continued to break barriers since her rise to fame. In 2021, she won her first Grammy Award for her contribution to “Wait For U,” a 2022 hit song by American rapper Future featuring Drake. The track showcased her haunting vocals and lyrical depth, earning her widespread acclaim.
In February 2025, she added another Grammy to her name by winning the newly created Best African Performance category, an award introduced to highlight and celebrate excellence in African music.
The category was widely welcomed by fans and industry experts as a long-overdue step in recognising the influence of African sounds in global music.
Tems’ performance at the Club World Cup final has been hailed as a cultural landmark, not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent. Many fans and celebrities have taken to social media to share their admiration and pride, calling her achievement a win for African music and a sign of even greater things to come.
Several prominent voices in the entertainment and sports industries have also applauded FIFA and Global Citizen for their decision to highlight African excellence on such a prestigious stage.
As Tems continues her global rise, this historic moment adds another layer to her already impressive legacy. With sold-out shows, award-winning music, and now a record-setting FIFA performance, she remains one of the most influential voices shaping the future of music.
Her Club World Cup performance will likely inspire a new generation of African artists to dream bigger and to know that the world stage is within reach.
Read Also: Tems to headline first FIFA Club World Cup halftime show
