SDFC announced today that Tems joined the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe.

In the process, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership.

“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement.

“Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us 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.”

Reacting to her addition as the latest partner in SDFC’s ownership group, the singer said: “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.

“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.”

The hip-hop legend disclosed in a clip of an interview that went viral on Tuesday that ‘Me & U’ by Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is his current favourite song.

“My current song on repeat is ‘Me & U’ by Tems,” he said.

‘Me & U’ is the lead single of Tems’ critically acclaimed debut studio album ‘Born In The Wild.’

The song sparked controversy after it won the Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award with her song, ‘Me & U’ at the 2024 BET Awards.

Critics argued that a song by a secular artist shouldn’t have won the category ahead of gospel legends like Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, CeCe Winans and the Maverick City Music.

Superstar singer Tems stopped by the Kick Game store in Covent Garden, London, for a sneaker shopping spree on the show hosted by Craig Mitch. As she explored the latest sneaker styles, Tems opened up about her music and creative process.

During the shopping session, she discussed her debut album, “Born In The Wild,“ revealing that she recorded 30 songs for the project, though not all made the final cut. Tems also shared why she chose to feature only two artists on the album and reflected on whether she consciously writes hit songs or if they naturally evolve into chart-toppers. She emphasised that her music goes beyond relationships, touching on broader themes about life.

Curious about which sneakers Tems ultimately chose? Watch the full video below to find out:

After making waves with hit songs like ‘Fantasy’, ‘Chan Chan Lady’ ‘Rain or Shine’, ‘My Muse’ ‘Confirm’ ‘Caro’ and his recent ‘BMF’ and ‘Rumors’ US-based celebrated Ghanaian music star, Styla Davinci is set to redefine his musical journey with a new album ‘Know thy self’.

According to him each song on this album is meant to evoke a certain emotion. The project is inspired by self-reflection and self-acceptance, “and I hope anyone who listens feels inspired to be true to themselves, no matter what.”

In the past, Styla  Davinci focused on crafting tracks that he believed would resonate as hits. But with ‘Know Thy Self’, he has shifted his focus to creating deeply personal music. “Each track is connected to a memory, story, or emotion that inspired me to write it the way I did,” he shares. This introspective approach has allowed him to become more in tune with himself, both as an artist and as a person.

He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work, stating, “I made sure it was unapologetically me, fully embracing every aspect of who I am.” This commitment to self-expression is evident in the album’s sound and lyrics, which aim to inspire listeners to embrace their true selves.

The recording process for ‘Know Thy Self’ was a blend of comfort and creativity. Most of the tracks were laid down in his home, where he felt a sense of freedom and ease. “The process felt effortless and freeing—almost therapeutic,” he recalls. Yet, he faced challenges, particularly with perfectionism. “I tend to overthink when things don’t sound exactly how I imagine, but eventually, I learned to let go,” he explains. This newfound confidence in his work has resulted in what he believes is a solid body of music.

Each song on the album is crafted to evoke specific emotions, inspired by themes of self-reflection and acceptance. Styla hopes that listeners will feel a connection to the music and be encouraged to be true to themselves. “I hope anyone who listens feels inspired to be true to themselves, no matter what,” he expresses.

His versatility shines through as he blends genres, drawing influences from dancehall, Afrobeats, and hip-hop. “I’m inspired by a variety of sounds, but I’m naturally drawn to these genres,” he notes. This eclectic mix contributes to his unique sound, which he describes as distinctly his own.

With the album set to drop soon, Styla is excited about the future. He plans to host a live concert featuring all the songs and is considering launching merchandise that reflects his connection to fashion. “I want to share some of my ideas with the world,” he shares enthusiastically.

Styla is also committed to representing Ghana on a global scale. “We’ve always played a monumental role in the development of modern Afrobeats, and I want to solidify my name as someone who spoke his truth and resonated with people because of it,” he states. His ambition is to make a lasting impact on music while proudly showcasing his heritage.

Reflecting on his journey, Styla offers simple yet profound advice for young artists: “Just be yourself. That’s all you can be, and that’s more than enough.” This mantra encapsulates the essence of ‘Know Thy Self’—a celebration of individuality and authenticity in a world that often pressures conformity.

As he prepares to share this deeply personal work with the world, Styla stands poised to inspire others through his music, proving that true artistry lies in embracing one’s authentic self.

About  Styla Davinci

Styla Davinci formerlyTecknikal, was born in Kumasi on September 16, 1997. He was raised with his two brothers by his grandparents in Famesua in the Ashanti Region, after his parents; Freda Osei Bonsu and Kwame Owusu Ansah divorced.

He and his brothers were with their grandparents for 15 years, until 2013 when he traveled with his brother to live with their mother in the USA.

He attended kindergarten at the Schooling Stars Academy completed preparatory school at M. A. Bediako Adventist Preparatory school and JHS at Adventist Junior High School in Amakom, all in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

He had his second cycled education at the Kumasi Anglican Senior High School from SHS 1 to the second term of SHS 2. He continued his high school education at the Westerville South High School, Columbus, Ohio, and graduated in 2016.

He went to Columbus State College for a semester, he said: “this time I was also working on my music so eventually, I took a break from college to focus on music full time.” Tecknikal, technically started his music journey in 2016, where he dropped the ‘Styla season’ Album, the ‘guapanese’ mixtape, an EP dubbed ‘Dedication’ and some good amount of singles, “which are all available on most streaming platforms under my stage name Tecknikal. It’s safe to say I have over 30 songs out online. I have worked with numerous producers but noticeably Oge Beats and DCQ beats.”

He belongs to the group that supports 100% authentic music, especially to the class that is not limited by music genres, he can be called a multi-genre artiste because of he likes to experiment a lot and is always ready to showcase his versatility on different sounds.

The young artiste aspires to be the one to change the phase of Afrobeat worldwide. He takes inspiration from legends such as Sarkodie, R2bees, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and more. “I would want to continue their good work and put a magnifying glass on the map of Ghana for the whole world to see how exceptional and influential we are to modern music, especially afrobeat. Before I decided to pick up the pen to write music I remember one of my biggest inspirations being Sarkodie. I admired how he made being a rapper look like the coolest job on earth. From the way, he shot his videos to how he dressed. It made me want to be like him. R2bees were also part of my early inspirations to pursue music. Both Mugeez and Paedae (Omar Sterling) had and still do have my respect for how they could give us a mixture of melodious songs and hard-hitting punchlines. Kanye West is also someone who inspires me a lot. From his life to his music to how he runs his business. I relate to him in the sense that he was constantly underestimated by people and somehow he always pulls through. I think he has one of the most inspiring stories in music history.”

Styla Davinci was the first artist to be signed unto Extrial Music, a sister label to R2bees which is run by Mugeez of R2bees since December 2019 and has his first song under the label dubbed ‘Fantasy’. The song is available on all streaming platforms with the official music video on Youtube.

His social media handles are Instagram: @styladavinci Twitter: @styladavinci, Facebook: @styladavinci

As he does every year, Barack Obama has shared his summer playlist, showcasing the tracks that have been on heavy rotation for him this season. The former U.S. president describes his playlist as an “eclectic mix,” featuring different artists that reflect his broad musical tastes.

With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix. I hope you find something new to listen to!

Among the standout artists featured this year are Nigerian stars Tems and Rema, along with South Africa’s Tyla. Tems, who was previously featured on Barack Obama’s end-of-year playlist with “Me & U,” returns with “Love Me Jeje” from her latest album, “Born In The Wild.”

Rema, who had his hit “Calm Down” grace Barack Obama’s 2022 playlist, is back with “Yayo,” the fourth track from his  “HEIS” album, and Tyla, whose Grammy-winning hit “Water” was featured on Barack Obama’s 2023 end-of-the-year playlist, also made an appearance on his 2024 summer playlist with “Jump,” a track from her self-titled album “Tyla,” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng.

See his playlist below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-lUCeIvG3w/embed/?cr=1&v=14&wp=540&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bellanaija.com&rp=%2F2024%2F08%2Fbarack-obama-summer-playlist-2024%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A7376.0999999940395%2C%22ls%22%3A4026.8999999910593%2C%22le%22%3A6613.699999988079%7D

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Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has tied Tems as the Nigerian artiste with the second most certified singles in RIAA history (4 each).

He achieved the feat following the Gold certification of his collaborative hit with British Grime star, Dave, ‘Location’ by the Recording Industry Association of America, RIAA, for the sale of 500,000 units in the country.

Burna Boy previously had three certified songs in the United States; ‘Last Last’ (Platinum), ‘Ye’ (Gold), and ‘On The Low’ (Gold).

Wizkid remains the most certified Nigerian artist in the U.S. with seven certified singles.

Meanwhile, American rapper J.Cole earned his first-ever diamond certified single as his 2019 smash hit ‘Middle Child’ joins the RIAA diamond league for selling 10 million units.

“J.Cole earns his first ever @RIAA Diamond single with ‘Middle Child’,” music monitoring platform, Chart Data tweeted Thursday.

Famous singers, Ayra Starr and Tems have been announced as the most streamed Nigerian artists on Spotify.

Spotify, a global music streaming platform made this known in the list of Nigeria’s top 30 tracks released in the first half of 2024.

Ayra Starr’s dominance was highlighted by her collaboration with Rauw Alejandro on the track ‘Santa’.

She secured the second position with her solo hit ‘Comma’ while Tems secured a third place with ‘Love Me Jeje’.

Luciano and Omah Lay’s Another Vibe came fourth; while Burna Boy and Savage’s Metro Booming Just Like Me clinched the fifth most streamed as Tyla and Tems’s No.1 came sixth.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, on Wednesday during a press conference in Lagos, also explained that “the list recognised Nigerian most listened to tracks from outside the country between January 1 and June 30 2024.”

Every summer, the UK comes alive with the Glastonbury Festival, a five-day extravaganza of contemporary performing arts. From dance and comedy to theatre, circus, and cabaret, the festival offers something for everyone. Leading artists grace the stages, with established headliners complemented by a mix of shows on smaller platforms. This year, Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset played host to the festival from June 26th to 30th.

2024 marked the 40th anniversary of Fela Kuti’s legendary performance with his band Egypt 80 on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage. This history-making feat, achieved in 1984, solidified him as the second African artist to headline the event.

This year, the legacy continued with a powerful Nigerian presence. Saturday saw Ayra Starr thrill the audience with hit songs like “Sability,” while Femi and Made Kuti, son and grandson of Fela, brought their signature fusion of Afrobeat, funk, jazz, and highlife to the Pyramid Stage.

Femi Kuti is no stranger to Glastonbury. He previously performed in 1984 alongside his father and returned in 2005 and 2010 with his son Made. This year, the duo delivered a dynamic set and joined the rock band Coldplay for a collaborative rendition of “Arabesque,” featuring additional vocals by Elyanna.

Burna Boy, another returning artist, built upon his 2022 performance with a show-stopping set on the Pyramid Stage. Kicking off with an acapella rendition of “It’s Plenty,” he transitioned into his hit track “Ye” before closing with the crowd favourite “Last Last.” This performance came on the heels of his London Stadium concert as part of the “I Told Them Tour.” Burna Boy also joined the British rapper Little Simz and Coldplay to unveil their unreleased collaboration “We Pray.”

Ayra Starr and Tems performed on the Pyramid and Other Stage respectively. Ayra Starr mesmerised the audience with a setlist while Tems delivered a rendition of “Love Me Jeje” from her debut album, “Born In The Wild.”

Watch their performances below:

Tems

Coldplay, Femi and Made Kuti

Ayra Starr

Burna Boy

Besides Fela Kuti, who blazed the trail in 1984, other Nigerian artists like Tems, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Femi Kuti, and Made Kuti have graced the Glastonbury stage.

Wizkid in 2023

Watch Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 perform “Bad Man Lighter” at Glastonbury 2022

Burna Boy in 2022

Tems was the only Nigerian on the winners’ list at this year’s BET Awards on Sunday night at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater.

Tems’ “Me & U” saw off competition from Gospel giants like Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Maverick City, and others to win the Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award.

Her compatriots, Ayra Starr and Asake lost the Best International Act to South Africa’s Tyla. Starr also lost Best New Artist to Tyla and BET Her to Victoria Monét.

Similarly, Seyi Vibez lost the Best New International Act to South Africa’s Makhadzi.

Another Nigerian, Burna Boy, lost Best Male R&B/Pop Artist to Usher and Best Hip-hop Artist to Kendrick Lamar.

Here is the full list:

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• Chris Brown
• Drake
• Fridayy
• Brent Faiyaz
• Bryson Tiller

• Usher (WINNER)
• Burna Boy
• October London

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• Doja Cat
• H.E.R.
• Muni Long

• SZA (WINNER)

• Beyoncé
• Coco Jones
• Tyla
• Victoria Monét

Best Group

• 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne
• 41
• Flo

• ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign (WINNER)

• Maverick City Music
• Blxst & Bino Rideaux
• City Girls
• Wanmor

Best Male Hip-Hop Artist

• Drake
• Future
• Kendrick Lamar (WINNER)

• 21 Savage
• Burna Boy
• Gunna
• J. Cole

Best Female Hip-Hop Artist

• Nicki Minaj (WINNER)

• Cardi B
• Doja Cat
• Megan Thee Stallion
• Sexyy Red
• GloRilla
• Ice Spice
• Latto

Best New Artist

• 4Batz
• Ayra Starr
• 41
• Bossman Dlow
• Sexyy Red

• Tyla (WINNER)
• Fridayy
• October London

Album of the Year

• Drake, For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)
• 21 Savage, American Dream
• Usher, Coming Home
• Victoria Monét, Jaguar II

• Killer Mike, Michael (WINNER)

• Nicki Minaj, Pink Friday 2
• Chris Brown, 11:11
• Gunna, A Gift & A Curse

Best Collaboration

• Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life” (WINNER)

• Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World”
• Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos”
• ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $ign feat. Rich The Kid, Playboi Carti, “Carnival”
• Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy”
• Lola Brooke feat. Latto & Yung Miami, “Don’t Play With It (Remix)”
• Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Uzi Vert, “Everybody”
• Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar, “America Has a Problem (Remix)”
• Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage, “Good Good”

Video of the Year

• Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua), “Barbie World”
• Cardi B feat. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bongos”
• Drake feat. J. Cole, “First Person Shooter”
• Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy”
• Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage, “Good Good”

• Victoria Monét, “On My Mama” (WINNER)

• Doja Cat, “Agora Hills”
• Lil Durk feat J. Cole, “All My Life”

Video Director of the Year

• Benny Boom
• Child.
• Offset
• Tems
• Tyler, The Creator

• Cole Bennett (WINNER)

• Dave Meyers
• Janelle Monáe & Alan Ferguson

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

• Shirley Caesar, “Award All of the Glory”
• Kirk Franklin, “All Things”

• Tems, “Me & U” (WINNER)

• Kirk Franklin, “Try Love”
• Erica Campbell, “Do You Believe in Love?”
• Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore, “God Problems”
• Halle Bailey, “Angel”
• CeCe Winans, “Come Jesus Come”

Viewer’s Choice Award

• Doja Cat, “Agora Hills”
• Lil Durk feat. J. Cole, “All My Life”
• Muni Long, “Made for Me”
• Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”

• Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ’Em” (WINNER)

• Tyla, “Water”
• Drake feat. Sexyy Red & SZA, “Rich Baby Daddy”
• Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay, “Sensational”
• Gunna, “Fukumean”
• Jack Harlow, “Lovin on Me”

Best International Act

• Ayra Starr (Africa)
• Bk’ (Brazil)
• Asake (Africa)
• Aya Nakamura (France)
• Karol Conká (Brazil)
• Raye (UK)
• Tiakola (France)
• Tyla (Africa)
• Cleo Sol (UK)
• Focalistic (Africa)

Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act

• Duquesa (Brazil)
• Holly G (France)
• Jungeli (France)

• Makhadzi (Africa) (WINNER)

• Oruam (Brazil)
• Bellah (UK)
• Cristale (UK)
• Seyi Vibez (Africa)
• Tyler Icu (Africa)

BET Her

• Megan Thee Stallion, “Hiss”
• Victoria Monét, “On My Mama” (WINNER)

• Beyoncé, “16 Carriages”
• Nicki Minaj feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard, “Blessings”
• SZA, “Saturn”
• GloRilla, “Yeah Glo!”
• Ayra Starr, “Commas”
• Flo feat. Missy Elliott, “Fly Girl”

Award-winning Nigerian songstress, Temilade Openiyi professionally known in the music industry as Tems has released her debut album titled “Born In The Wild”.

This debut album has 18 tracks with two interludes while featuring 2 guest appearances from Afrobeats superstar Asake and American Grammy-winning rapper J Cole.

The “Born in the Wild” album was produced by a roster of all-star producers including long-time collaborator GuiltyBeatz, London, Sarz, P2J, Spax, DAMEDAME ,Nsikak David and Tems herself.

Before her album’s release, Tems dropped the singles ‘Me & U,’ which recently garnered her two nominations for the 2024 BET Awards, and ‘Love Me Jeje,’ where she sampled Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello’s song of the same title. Additionally, Tems showcased ‘Unfortunate’ during her NPR Tiny Desk performance and performed ‘Love Me Jeje’ on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Tems’ debut album ‘Born In The Wild’ is her third project which comes two years after the release of her EP ‘If Orange Was A Place’.

Stream album below.