Nigerian singer, songwriter, and international sensation Tems has once again broken boundaries and shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first African artist to headline the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show. The landmark moment unfolded during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at the MetLife Stadium in the United States, marking a proud and unforgettable occasion for African music on the global stage.
Tems captivated the world with her elegant and emotionally rich performance of ‘Love Me Jeje’, delivering a stunning display of artistry that fused soulful vocals with a uniquely African sound. The halftime show, which was produced by Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, was a celebration of culture, unity, and global musical excellence.
Sharing the grand stage with Tems were international chart-toppers J Balvin and Doja Cat, as well as a powerful appearance by Emmanuel Kelly, the Australian singer hailed as the first differently-abled pop artist to perform at a FIFA halftime show. Kelly’s presence added a layer of inspiration and inclusion to the spectacle, reinforcing the evening’s message of diversity and empowerment.
A Moment for Africa and Afrobeats
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This historic performance follows another landmark Nigerian moment on the FIFA stage. In 2022, Davido made headlines as the first Nigerian artist to perform at the World Cup main event, joining Trinidad & Tobago’s Cardona and Qatari singer Aisha to perform the official anthem ‘Hayya Hayya’. Tems’ halftime performance now extends that legacy, affirming Nigeria’s growing influence in global entertainment and cultural representation.
From Lagos to the World
Tems’ journey from a small studio in Lagos to the world’s grandest stages is emblematic of a broader Afrobeats movement; a wave of African voices reshaping global music narratives. Her rise has been marked by critical acclaim, Grammy nominations, and an unmistakable authenticity that fans connect with deeply.
Her performance at the 2025 Club World Cup Final represents more than a halftime spectacle; it’s a statement: African music belongs at the centre of the world’s most-watched events. With artists like Tems leading the charge, the future of global music looks beautifully diverse.
Tems’ achievement is not just about music; it’s about representation, inspiration, and legacy. As she continues to chart new territory, she solidifies her place as one of Africa’s most iconic voices and a beacon for the next generation of global stars.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What makes Tems’ performance at the FIFA Club World Cup Final so historic?
Tems is the first African artist ever to headline the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show, a major international sports and entertainment platform. Her performance marks a significant cultural milestone for both Nigeria and the African continent.
Q2: What song did Tems perform at the halftime show?
She performed ‘Love Me Jeje’, a powerful and soulful track that showcases her signature sound and emotional depth.
Q3: Who else performed at the 2025 halftime show?
The star-studded event also featured performances by Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Emmanuel Kelly, the world’s first differently abled pop artist to perform on a FIFA halftime stage.
Q4: Has any other Nigerian artist performed at a FIFA event before?
Yes. In 2022, Davido became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup final event, performing the official World Cup anthem ‘Hayya Hayya’ in Qatar.
Q5: What organisation produced and curated the halftime show?
The show was produced by Global Citizen, an international advocacy organisation, and curated by Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay.
Q6: What does this mean for African music and Afrobeats?
Tems’ performance marks a significant step forward in African music’s global recognition. It demonstrates that Afrobeats and African talent are now central to major global events, not just as participants, but as headliners.