First Nigerian Artiste With Two Grammys Performs Before Four Former U.S. Presidents At Obama Center Opening

Nigerian musician Tems joined a lineup that included Bono, The Edge, Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, The Roots and Marsai Martin at the opening ceremony.  

Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Tems recently performed her hit song Me & U before former United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama and a global audience at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side. 

Standing on stage with four former U.S. presidents and first ladies in attendance, Tems addressed the audience moments before her performance. 

“Thank you. I’m so blessed and honored to be here. This one is to everyone in this room, to Mr. and Mrs. Obama, to Sandra and all the family,” she said. 

George and Laura Bush, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Joe and Jill Biden were among the former first couples seated near the stage alongside Barack and Michelle Obama and their daughters, Malia and Sasha. 

The ceremony marked the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, a campus that will serve as a museum, educational facility and community gathering space dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of the 44th U.S. president and former first lady. The center opens to the public on Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865. 

Tems’ appearance came days after the Obamas unveiled their first joint portrait, created by Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, which will hang in the center’s Hope and Change lobby. 

The Nigerian singer later acknowledged her nerves in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Lord knows I was nervous! please forgive me!!!” 

Ahead of the event, the Obama Foundation highlighted her participation on social media, saying soundchecks were underway despite stormy weather and encouraging viewers to tune into the ceremony’s livestream. 

As Tems performed Me & U, Barack Obama appeared to dance along from his seat, a moment that drew attention online. The song, released in 2023, was included on Obama’s annual list of favorite music that year. 

Obama has frequently featured African and African-diaspora artistes in his year-end playlists, reflecting the growing global influence of music from the continent. The recognition has often been welcomed by artistes and fans alike as Nigeria’s Afrobeats industry expands its international reach through streaming platforms and collaborations with global stars. 

Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, has emerged as one of Africa’s most internationally recognized artistes. In 2025, she became the first Nigerian musician to win two Grammy Awards after receiving the Best African Music Performance prize for Love Me JeJe, her remake of the 1997 hit by Nigerian singer Seyi Sodimu. 

She won her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for Wait For U, a collaboration with Future and Drake.