Tems Becomes Joint-Owner of San Diego FC, Makes History as First African Female Owner

San Diego, CA – Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history as the first African female to join the ownership group of a Major League Soccer (MLS) club. The acclaimed artist has officially become a co-owner of San Diego FC (SDFC), marking a significant milestone in her already illustrious career.

The California-based football club announced on Wednesday that Tems, through her company The Leading Vibe, has become a club partner in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm. Tems joins a growing and diverse ownership group, which recently welcomed award-winning actress and producer Issa Rae.

Tems’ Vision for San Diego FC

Expressing her excitement, Tems emphasized her commitment to uniting communities through football and fostering a culture of creativity and empowerment.

“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. 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,” she said in the club’s official press release.

San Diego FC: A Club with Global Ambitions

San Diego FC is one of the newest franchises in Major League Soccer, set to begin play in the 2025 MLS season. The club, backed by the global Right to Dream Academy, has positioned itself as a powerhouse for youth development and talent scouting, with a focus on Africa and North America.

The addition of Tems and other influential figures aligns with SDFC’s mission of bridging sports, music, and culture. According to SDFC CEO Tom Penn, Tems’ involvement will help shape the club’s vision and strengthen its cultural impact.

“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. 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,” said Penn.

Tems: From Music Stardom to Sports Investment

This move into sports ownership adds another layer to Tems’ ever-growing influence. Since breaking into the global music scene, the Nigerian artist has achieved groundbreaking success, including:

• Winning a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her contribution to Future’s hit song “Wait for U” alongside Drake.
• Receiving an Academy Award nomination for her work on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”, the lead single from Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
• Collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Wizkid, Future, Drake, and Rihanna.
• Releasing critically acclaimed projects like For Broken Ears and If Orange Was a Place, which cemented her as one of the most influential voices in contemporary music.

Her partnership with Pave Investments also highlights a broader strategy of African private investment firms entering global sports and entertainment industries. Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, the firm’s founding director, are also part of the new San Diego FC ownership group.

A Historic Milestone for African Representation in Global Sports

With this acquisition, Tems has not only broken barriers as an artist but has also become a trailblazer in African sports ownership. Her influence extends beyond music, shaping conversations around youth empowerment, creative entrepreneurship, and the global integration of African culture.

San Diego FC’s first MLS season kicks off in 2025, and with Tems on board, the club is set to become a unique fusion of football, culture, and global entertainment.