Nigerian star shares stage with music legends in Chicago
Nigerian singer Tems performed at the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on 18 June.
The Grammy-winning artist joined a lineup that included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and John Legend at one of the United States’ most high-profile cultural events of the year.
Dressed in a crimson gown, Tems performed her hit song Me & U before guests gathered at the new centre on Chicago’s South Side. Her appearance underscored the growing global influence of African music and the expanding reach of Afrobeats and Afrofusion.
Former US President Barack Obama has repeatedly highlighted Tems’ work through his widely followed annual music playlists. He previously featured Tems’ songs Vibe Out and Love Me Jeje on his personal playlists.
The Obama Presidential Center has been years in development and is expected to serve as a hub for leadership programmes, community engagement and cultural events.
Its opening brought together American music icons and a new generation of global performers. For African artists, Tems’ appearance marks another milestone in the international rise of the continent’s music industry. From Grammy Awards stages to presidential ceremonies, Afrobeats continues to expand its footprint across mainstream Western cultural spaces.
