Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, Tems, make history at World Cup, UCL, Ballon d’Or, Club World Cup finals
Nigerian music superstars have continued to break barriers and make unprecedented history on the global stage, with four of the country’s biggest exports – Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, and Tems – achieving groundbreaking performances at some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
The quartet has collectively performed at the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League Final, Ballon d’Or ceremony, and FIFA Club World Cup Final, cementing Nigeria’s position as a dominant force in global entertainment and sports crossover events.
Tems Makes Club World Cup History
Nigerian Grammy-winning artiste, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history as the first African musician to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show. The performance took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the highly anticipated final of the global tournament.
Tems took center stage during the halftime break with a performance of her hit song “Love Me Jeje.” The show was presented by Panini, the popular sports sticker brand, and also featured appearances from other international musicians such as Colombian singer J Balvin, and American rapper Doja Cat.
The historic performance at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey showcased African music to a global audience of millions, with Tems delivering a captivating rendition of her guitar-tinged hit while dressed in a sparkling cold shoulder black top.
Rema’s Ballon d’Or Breakthrough
The 23-year-old multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, rapper, and performer performed his 2022 global hit single ‘Calm Down’ as Lionel Messi received a record 8th Ballon d’Or at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Rema’s performance at the prestigious football awards ceremony marked another milestone for African representation at European sporting events, with his global smash hit providing the soundtrack to one of football’s most iconic moments.
The ‘Calm Down’ remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez has become one of the most successful African crossover hits in recent history, making Rema’s selection for the Ballon d’Or ceremony particularly significant.
Burna Boy’s Champions League Milestone
Burna Boy is set to make history as the first-ever African artiste to perform in a Champions League final.
The Grammy-winning artist’s performance at the UEFA Champions League Final represented a watershed moment for African music on European football’s biggest stage. His appearance at the Pepsi kick-off show demonstrated the growing influence of Afrobeats in global sporting entertainment.
Burna Boy’s selection for the Champions League Final performance highlighted his status as one of Africa’s most internationally recognized musical talents, bringing his unique sound to millions of football fans worldwide.
Davido’s World Cup Impact
Davido made his mark on football’s biggest stage with a memorable performance at the FIFA World Cup ceremony, continuing Nigeria’s impressive representation at major global sporting events.
The DMW boss has consistently been at the forefront of Nigerian music’s international expansion, and his World Cup appearance further solidified his position as one of Africa’s most bankable entertainment exports.
His performance contributed to the growing trend of incorporating African music into major international sporting spectacles, reflecting the genre’s increasing global appeal.
Breaking Cultural Barriers
The collective achievements of these four Nigerian superstars represent more than individual success stories – they symbolize the breaking down of cultural barriers between African entertainment and global sporting events.
Music industry analysts note that the inclusion of Nigerian artists at these prestigious venues demonstrates the shifting dynamics of international entertainment, with African music gaining unprecedented recognition and respect.
The performances have also provided massive exposure for Nigerian and African music to audiences who may not have been previously familiar with the genre, potentially opening new markets and opportunities.
Economic Impact
The global performances have significant economic implications for Nigeria’s creative industry, with each appearance generating substantial revenue and international exposure for the artists and their home country.
Industry experts estimate that such high-profile performances can boost an artist’s international booking fees by up to 300%, while also increasing streaming numbers and merchandise sales globally.
The visibility has also attracted international brands and sponsors to the Nigerian music scene, with several multinational companies now investing heavily in Afrobeats artists and events.
Cultural Significance
Beyond the entertainment value, these performances carry deep cultural significance, showcasing Nigerian and African culture to global audiences on some of the world’s biggest stages.
The artists have used their platforms to promote African fashion, language, and traditions, with each performance serving as a cultural bridge between Africa and the rest of the world.
Social media reactions to these performances have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans across different continents expressing appreciation for the unique sounds and energy that Nigerian artists bring to international events.
Setting New Standards
The success of Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, and Tems at these major sporting events has set new standards for African artists, demonstrating that global recognition is achievable through talent, persistence, and strategic positioning.
Their collective achievements have inspired a new generation of African musicians to dream bigger and aim for international platforms that were previously considered unreachable.
Music industry stakeholders believe this trend will continue, with more Nigerian and African artists likely to be featured at major sporting events in the coming years.
Industry Recognition
The international recognition these artists have received reflects the broader global acceptance of Afrobeats as a legitimate and commercially viable music genre.
Their performances have been praised by international music critics and sports commentators, who have noted the energy and authenticity that African artists bring to global stages.
The success has also attracted the attention of major international music labels and promoters, leading to increased investment in African music promotion and distribution.
Future Prospects
As Nigerian music continues to gain global traction, industry observers predict that more artists from the country will feature in major international sporting events.
The success of these four pioneers has opened doors for other Nigerian talents, with several reportedly already in discussions for future high-profile sporting event performances.
The trend represents a significant shift in how international event organizers view African entertainment, moving from novelty acts to headlining performers who can draw global audiences.