Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, a Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer and producer has emerge as the first African female to enter the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s San Diego Football Club.
This was declared by the club on Wednesday, February 12, that Tems, via her company The Leading Vibe, has become a club partner.
“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,” Tems announced in the press release. “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.”
Tems enters San Diego FC’s growing ownership with actress and producer Issa Rae, who was recently pronounced a club partner as well.
Tems collaborated with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm distinguished for its involvement in NBA Africa’s strategic investment group in 2021.
Among the recent ownership row at San Diego FC are Tunde Folawiyo, chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, the firm’s founding director.
In regards to the declaration, Tems’ influence as a global cultural icon corroborates with the club’s mission to unite communities through soccer, promotion of creativity and empowerment.
“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,” SDFC CEO Tom Penn announced.
“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. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.”
