BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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On July 13 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems became the first African artist to headline the halftime show at a FIFA Club World Cup Final. The event marked a major milestone both for Tems and the global rise of Afrobeats.
Tems took the stage alongside global stars J Balvin and Doja Cat, delivering a memorable rendition of her hit “Love Me JeJe”, an Afrobeats reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic. Dressed in a dazzling ensemble that brought Afrocentric flair to the global stage, she captivated both music and football audiences during the halftime break.
The halftime show was co-produced by FIFA and Global Citizen, aiming to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Tems expressed her excitement ahead of the event, saying it would “bring the world together to celebrate football, feel the unity that music brings, and improve the lives of millions of children.”
Tems’ high-profile performance signals the growing influence of African music and culture. She’s followed notable milestones such as headlining Global Citizen events and breaking into Hollywood venue soundtracks. This appearance is a testament to her position as a beacon for Afrobeats in mainstream culture.
