Nigerian singer Tems has been announced as one of the performers at the Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony, joining a lineup of global stars including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Common, The Roots, Eddie Vedder, Marc Anthony, and U2's The Edge. Actress and producer Marsai Martin will also participate.
Event Details
The ceremony will take place on June 18 in Chicago at the Center's John Lewis Plaza and will be livestreamed worldwide. The Obama Foundation described it as a once-in-a-generation celebration of democracy, culture, service, and hope.
Tems is the only Nigerian artist on the lineup, marking another major milestone in her growing international career. She will share the stage with some of the most celebrated names in music history.
Statements from Leaders
Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett said, "This Grand Opening ceremony will be unlike any other, filled with music, performances, and hope." Former First Lady Michelle Obama described the Presidential Center as a full circle moment for Chicago's South Side, transforming a previously underutilised space into a hub for history, leadership, education, and community engagement.
The Center opens to the public on June 19, with celebrations continuing through the Juneteenth weekend.
Tems' Rising Profile
Her presence on that stage is a product of consistency in her placement in the Western space. Over the past four years, Tems has built one of the most remarkable international profiles any Nigerian artist has achieved, largely on the strength of her voice and unique sound.
She became the first African woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 when 'Wait For U' with Future and Drake reached number one in 2022. That same year she performed at the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar.
She has since won a Grammy, received an Oscar nomination for her contribution to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, and earned a spot on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
She has also done it while keeping her sound distinctly her own, the smoky, unhurried quality of her vocals sitting comfortably on global R&B productions without losing its identity. Being chosen for the Obama Presidential Center opening, alongside artists who have defined entire eras of popular music, is the latest confirmation of where she stands.
