History was made under the floodlights of MetLife Stadium as Nigeria’s music sensation, Tems, blazed her name into the global hall of fame by becoming the first Nigerian ever to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show.
The Grammy-winning singer, known for her soul-soaked voice and Afro-fusion brilliance, delivered an electrifying performance at the 2025 final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Her set included a soulful rendition of “Love Me JeJe”, a modern revival of the 1997 hit by Seyi Sodimu—an iconic nod to Nigerian musical roots reborn on the world’s grandest stage.
With over 80,000 fans in attendance and millions glued to screens worldwide, Tems held her own among global headliners like Doja Cat and J Balvin. The show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced in collaboration with FIFA and Global Citizen, climaxed in a surprise cameo by Coldplay and Emmanuel Kelly. But it was Tems’ presence—bold, unapologetic, and African—that stole the night.
Fans across Africa and the diaspora erupted in celebration, hailing her feat as a cultural victory not just for Nigeria, but for the entire continent. Social media platforms trended with hashtags like #TemsAtFIFA, #AfrobeatsToTheWorld, and #NigeriaNoDeyCarryLast.
Critics praised the halftime show as “Super Bowl-level,” with Tems’ performance labeled “the emotional high point of the night.” Dressed in regal African couture, she owned the stage with commanding presence, rich vocals, and undeniable elegance.
This historic performance is just another milestone in what has been a meteoric rise for Tems—from Lagos studio booths to global award stages, to becoming part-owner of an MLS club, and now, the FIFA Club World Cup—a space traditionally untouched by African solo acts.
In a world where representation still matters, Tems didn’t just entertain—she shattered ceilings.
