Gifted Nigerian music star makes history as first African woman to own stake in MLS club

Nigerian music star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by becoming the first African woman to own a stake in a Major League Soccer (MLS) club following her partnership with San Diego FC, Soccernet.football reports.

The two-time Grammy Award winner joined San Diego FC’s ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe, in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm.

The deal makes her not only the first Nigerian woman but also the first African female investor in an MLS team.

San Diego FC, founded in 2023, is one of the newest teams in the MLS and competes in the Western Conference.

Tems expressed her excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the club’s commitment to culture and community.

MLS side San Diego FC have announced Nigerian music artist Tems as the latest addition to the club’s ownership group through her company The Leading Vibe.

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“I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” she said. “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.”

San Diego FC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour welcomed the singer’s involvement, stating: “Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the Right to Dream organization.”

Throughout her career, Tems has received many accolades, including two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.