Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer and producer, Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name as Tems, has become the first African female to join the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s San Diego Football Club.
The club announced on Wednesday, February 12, that Tems, through her company The Leading Vibe, is now 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 said 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 joins San Diego FC’s growing ownership alongside actress and producer Issa Rae, who was recently named a club partner as well.
Tems partnered with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its involvement in NBA Africa’s strategic investment group in 2021.
Tunde Folawiyo, chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, the firm’s founding director, are also part of the new ownership lineup at San Diego FC.
According to the announcement, Tems’ influence as a global cultural icon aligns with the club’s mission to unite communities through soccer while promoting creativity and empowerment.
The additions to the ownership group aim to enhance the impact of San Diego FC and its partner, Right to Dream Academy, a youth-focused football development program.
“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,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “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.”
