Tems Becomes Sole Nigerian Performer at Obama Presidential Center’s Grand Opening
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems performed her hit single “Me & U” at the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 18, appearing at John Lewis Plaza in a red gown. She was the only Nigerian act on a lineup that also included Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Bono and The Edge, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder and Marc Anthony, before an audience that included former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden alongside their respective first ladies.
Tems is known to be one of Barack Obama’s personal favorites, with songs such as “Vibe Out” and “Love Me Jeje” having previously featured on his annual listening lists. Organizers and commentators noted her inclusion among a small group of international artists as evidence of her growing global stature as one of Africa’s most prominent musical exports.
Tems’ presence at a ceremony of this historic and political significance — alongside some of the biggest names in American music — reflects the deepening integration of African artists into major global cultural and civic moments, not just commercial festival circuits.
