On July 13, 2025, history echoed across the globe—not through a goal, but through a song.
Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, became the first African artist to headline the FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show, igniting MetLife Stadium with the power and pulse of Afrobeats.
A Global Moment Wrapped in African Sound
Tems took center stage alongside pop titan Doja Cat and reggaetón giant J Balvin, representing Africa with fearless elegance. The star-studded event, produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, was broadcast live on DAZN, with millions watching as African excellence lit up football’s biggest night.
Her performance, laced with soul and strength, included her Grammy-winning track “Love Me JeJe,” a heartfelt nod to Nigerian heritage that had the stadium swaying in sync. The energy? Electric. The message? Unmissable.
With those words, Tems framed her set not just as a performance but as a purpose. The halftime show supported the $100 million FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, created to empower vulnerable children through access to quality education worldwide.
Why This Was More Than a Performance
| Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|
| First African Halftime Headliner | Shifts the global stage toward Afrocentric artistry and inclusion. |
| Cross-Cultural Lineup | United Afrobeats, reggaetón, and hip-hop in one unforgettable moment. |
| Music Meets Mission | Linked entertainment with activism through the lens of football and education. |
