Afrobeats sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has etched her name in the history books as the first Nigerian artist to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show.
The groundbreaking performance took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, during the final match of the global football tournament.
Tems shared the spotlight with Colombian pop star J Balvin and American rapper Doja Cat, delivering an electrifying show that celebrated cultural fusion and the rising global influence of Afrobeats.
The entire performance was creatively directed by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who aimed to blend multiple genres into a single, dynamic spectacle.
In a technically innovative move, the halftime show was staged on a custom-built aerial platform suspended above the stands, preserving the pitch for the final match and enhancing the visual appeal of the performance.
The star-studded audience included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, U.S. President Donald Trump, and several international music and football icons.
Tems’ performance has since gone viral on social media, with fans and critics alike praising her stage presence and the cultural milestone it represents for Nigerian music and Afrobeats worldwide.
