Nigerian music star Tems has become a part-owner of the American football club San Diego FC, which plays in Major League Soccer (MLS). She joined the club through her company, The Leading Vibe.
Tems is the first African woman to own a share in an MLS club.
She is a well-known singer, songwriter, and producer from Lagos, with two Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination.
She joins other famous people in the ownership group, like former football star Juan Mata and entertainment mogul Issa Rae.
Tems said she is excited to be part of a club that values creativity, culture, and community.
She believes football brings people together and looks forward to building something special in San Diego, a diverse and innovative city.
Her involvement is in partnership with Pave Investments, an African company that also invested in NBA Africa in 2021.
Pave’s chairman, Tunde Folawiyo, and founding director, Kwamena Afful, are also part of San Diego FC’s owners.
San Diego FC’s CEO, Tom Penn, welcomed Tems, calling her a talented artist and cultural influencer.
He said her passion for helping young people fits well with the club’s goals, especially its support for the Right to Dream Academy, which develops young footballers.
