Nigerian Afrobeats star, Temilade Openiyi, alias Tems, has joined Major League Soccer (MLS) side San Diego F.C. as a part owner, making her the first African female musician to own a stake in a top-flight football club in the United States.
The club announced her involvement on Wednesday, stating that she joined through her company, The Leading Vibe, in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm.
“We Are Delighted to Have Tems” – SDFC Chairman
Welcoming Tems to the club, San Diego F.C. Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour, described her as a globally significant artist whose influence would help expand the club’s reach.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” Mansour said in a club statement.
“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organisation,” he added.
“Music and Sports Are Similar” – Tems
Speaking on her decision to invest in San Diego, the two-time Grammy Award winner said she saw similarities between the music and sports industries, particularly in their role of providing opportunities for young talents.
“To be very honest, music and sports are similar in the way that they give opportunities to young talents and the young generations coming up,” she said.
High-Profile Ownership Group
Tems joins a star-studded ownership group at San Diego F.C., which includes former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, Hollywood actress Issa Rae, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and San Diego Padres’ Major League Baseball (MLB) star Manny Machado.
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