BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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On Tuesday the 19th of February, 2025, Nigerian superstar Tems took center stage at the O2 Arena in London, delivering a breathtaking performance at Aston Martin‘s livery unveiling for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The event, part of the F1 75 Live celebration–a celebration of Formula 1’s 75th year of existence since it’s establishment on May 13th, 1950–marked a historic moment as all ten Formula 1 teams–Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, Kick Sauber, Racing Bulls and Williams–gathered for a grand showcase of their drivers and new liveries. The star-studded affair, hosted by none other than the famed English comedian and actor Jack Whitehall, was a fusion of motorsport excellence and world-class entertainment, making it an unforgettable night.
Tems made a grand entrance, gracefully walking onto the stage in a stunning white gown, exuding elegance and poise. Her presence was magnetic as she stood in front of the gleaming Aston Martin AMR25, setting the stage for a performance that would resonate far beyond the arena.
She performed “Wait for U,” her Grammy-winning collaboration with Future and Drake–a track that recently surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, making her the first female African artist to achieve this milestone. The emotional depth of her powerful voice and the ethereal sounds of the accompanying violins, paired perfectly with the grandeur of the event, creating an electrifying atmosphere that left the audience in awe.
Tems wasn’t the only musical powerhouse at F1 75 Live. The legendary British boy band Take That headlined the event, delivering a nostalgic and energetic performance that had the crowd singing along. Other notable artists that performed include Kane Brown, MGK and Brian Tyler, adding to the night’s spectacle as they infused the illustrious motorsport event with music that was nothing short of exceptional.
This event was more than just a livery unveiling–it was a celebration of the impressive history of THE Formula 1 and in one fell swoop, history was marked and made. A truly significant moment indeed for the sport. The O2 Arena transformed into a haven of high-speed excitement, innovation, and entertainment, bringing fans closer to the sport than ever before.
Tems’ inclusion in such a prestigious event further cements her global influence. From winning two Grammys to making history on streaming platforms, and now performing at one of Formula 1’s most exclusive events, she continues to break barriers and redefine African representation on the world stage.
As the 2025 F1 season gears up for a thrilling ride, Tems’ performance at the O2 Arena will be remembered as a defining moment, not just for motorsport but for music, culture, and the limitless reach of African artistry. The night belonged to Tems, and the world was watching.
