MLS side San Diego FC has announced Nigerian music artist Tems as the latest addition to the club’s ownership group through her company The Leading Vibe, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
She makes history by becoming the first African woman to be involved in the ownership of a Major League Soccer team.
The club's Chairman and CEO expressed delight over the new partnership extolling Tems virtues and the benefits the partnership will bring.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “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 organization.”
“Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. 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.”
The two-time Grammy Award-Winning, now Oscar-nominated Nigerian singer-songwriter on her part expressed happiness in joining a club that celebrates creativity.
“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,” said SDFC Club Partner Tems. “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.”
She joins other celebrities and renowned figures such as actress Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and founding partner and San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star Manny Machado.
Tems is joining San Diego FC in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021.
Uche Dozie