Tems Makes History as First African Artist to Perform at FIFA Club World Cup Final

Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has broken new ground by becoming the first African singer to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show.

The groundbreaking performance took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the grand finale of the global football competition.

Tems’ historic appearance was co-produced by FIFA and Global Citizen, with the Afro-fusion star headlining the much-anticipated halftime show. Her performance captivated a global audience, blending her soulful voice and signature stage presence with a setlist that included fan-favorite tracks such as “Essence”, “Free Mind”, and selections from her latest album, “Born in the Wild.”

A New Milestone for Nigerian Music

This remarkable achievement solidifies Tems’ position as a trailblazer in African music. She now joins a prestigious group of international performers, including Shakira and Jennifer Lopez, who have graced the FIFA stage in previous years. Her presence at the event not only elevates her global profile but also highlights the rising influence of African artists on the world stage.

Fans and celebrities across social media have showered Tems with praise, calling the performance “a monumental win for Nigeria” and a testament to her unmatched talent. Hashtags like #TemsAtFIFA and #HistoryMade quickly began trending as fans shared clips and reactions from the halftime show.

Beyond Music: A Global Cultural Icon

Tems has continued to soar beyond musical boundaries. Earlier this year, she made headlines as the first Nigerian female artist to attend and debut at the prestigious Met Gala. She has also contributed to soundtracks for major Hollywood blockbusters, further establishing her as a global cultural icon.

While the artist has yet to issue a formal statement about her FIFA performance, her team offered fans a glimpse behind the scenes through Instagram, posting rehearsal images with the caption: “History loading…”

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was held in the United States, attracting top football clubs from across the globe. Tems’ performance added a memorable cultural touch to the high-stakes final, merging the worlds of sport and music in unforgettable fashion.

Focus keyphrase: Tems FIFA Club World Cup performance

Source: guardian.ng