Tems’ recent move into football club ownership raises intriguing questions about the evolving role of Nigerian artists in global industries. The singer-songwriter, celebrated for her singular sound and cross-continental appeal, has joined the ownership group of MLS side San Diego FC (SDFC) through her company, The Leading Vibe. It’s a decision that signals a shift—not just for her, but for African creatives who are increasingly shaping spaces beyond entertainment.
Football’s footprint in the U.S. is growing. The sport is riding the momentum of Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Tems’ entry into this world, in partnership with African private investment firm Pave Investments, feels timely. Alongside her, Pave Investments Chairman Tunde Folawiyo and Founding Director Kwamena Afful have also secured stakes in the club, reinforcing an often-overlooked reality: African influence in global industries is expanding in ways that are not merely symbolic.
San Diego FC’s connection to the Right to Dream Academy adds another layer to this development. The academy has nurtured some of Africa’s brightest footballing talents, including Mohammed Kudus and Simon Adingra, proving that with the right infrastructure, young players can ascend to elite levels. Tems’ involvement introduces an interesting intersection—one that links music, investment, and the cultivation of talent in a way that transcends entertainment. It’s less about celebrity branding and more about long-term influence.
This move is part of a broader pattern. Nigerian artists are no longer content with just being global stars; they are embedding themselves in industries that offer both cultural and financial longevity. Burna Boy is selling out stadiums, Wizkid is making plays in fashion, and now Tems is stepping into sports ownership. It’s a shift in agency—where African talent is no longer just exported for global consumption but is actively participating in shaping industries on a global scale.
For San Diego FC, Tems’ arrival alongside figures like Issa Rae, Juan Mata, and Manny Machado strengthens the club’s ties to music and entertainment, reinforcing football’s growing relationship with pop culture. But beyond the obvious synergy, the move also prompts a larger question: What does the future of African entertainment look like when its artists aren’t just performers but architects of cultural influence?
If Tems’ latest venture is any indication, it’s one where artists aren’t waiting to be invited into spaces—they’re claiming their own seats at the table.