Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer Tems has made history again, stunning millions around the world with her electrifying FIFA Club World Cup performance. The groundbreaking halftime show took place on Sunday night at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Tems became the first African artiste to headline the final of the prestigious global football tournament.
Tems’ FIFA Club World Cup performance lit up the night as she shared the stage with international music heavyweights Doja Cat, J Balvin, and surprise guests Coldplay alongside Emmanuel Kelly. This historic appearance marks another milestone in Tems’ fast-rising global journey, from topping charts to gracing the Met Gala and lending her soulful voice to blockbuster Hollywood soundtracks.
The event, co-produced by FIFA and Global Citizen, was watched live by over 81,000 fans in the stadium and millions worldwide. Football fans had already seen Chelsea FC secure a decisive 3–0 lead over Paris Saint-Germain by halftime, but it was Tems’ FIFA Club World Cup performance that truly stole the spotlight.
A night of music, history, and unity
The halftime show kicked off with Colombia’s J Balvin, who got the crowd dancing with hits “Mi Gente” and “Reggaeton.” Tems then captivated the audience with her rendition of “Love Me Jeje,” her 2024 modern reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic. Clad in a shimmering outfit that blended African elegance with global pop flair, Tems commanded the stage with calm confidence and unmistakable vocal power.
Fans on social media hailed Tems’ FIFA Club World Cup performance as “a win for Africa,” praising her for bringing Nigerian culture to one of football’s biggest global stages. Her performance was described as soulful, refreshing, and a powerful reminder of the continent’s growing influence in world entertainment.
Doja Cat followed with her chart-topping single “Woman,” adding pop fire to the set. In a twist few saw coming, Coldplay then took the stage with singer-activist Emmanuel Kelly to close the halftime show with an emotional performance of “A Sky Full of Stars.” This unexpected moment highlighted the show’s global theme of unity across continents.
Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, summed it up perfectly: “Artists representing the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Oceania came together on football’s biggest stage for the first-ever FIFA halftime show. This international lineup shows that music and football truly unite the world.”
Breaking barriers and rewriting history
Tems’ FIFA Club World Cup performance wasn’t just about entertainment; it was history in real time. By becoming the first African artiste to headline the final, she joins a list of music icons like Shakira and Jennifer Lopez who have previously performed at major FIFA events. Yet Tems’ presence carried added meaning: a bold statement of Africa’s creative power on the world stage.
In 2025 alone, Tems has seen remarkable success. She won a Grammy for Best African Performance, building on her earlier win in 2021 for her work on Future and Drake’s hit “Wait For U.” Beyond awards, she has continued to bridge genres and cultures, crafting a sound that feels deeply Nigerian yet resonates globally.
Tems’ choice to perform “Love Me Jeje” symbolised a cultural homecoming, paying homage to Nigerian music history while introducing it to a new, international audience. Fans praised her commitment to spotlighting African heritage in such a high-profile global setting.
Football meets culture in an unforgettable final
The musical celebration at the FIFA Club World Cup final was matched by sporting drama, as Chelsea FC defeated PSG with a convincing 3–0 victory to become the first champions of FIFA’s expanded 32-team tournament. The final also saw pre-match performances by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini, who debuted their new FIFA anthem “Desire.”
For many, though, the night belonged to Tems’ FIFA Club World Cup performance, a cultural moment that transcended sport. Social media lit up with praise, with fans calling it “powerful,” “authentic,” and a sign of even greater things to come for African music on the global stage.
As the stadium lights dimmed and applause echoed around MetLife Stadium, Tems stood tall, an African star whose music, message, and stage presence continue to inspire millions worldwide.
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