Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer and global sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is calling on the world to break free from long-held stereotypes about Africa and experience the continent’s vibrant culture firsthand—starting with Nigeria and Ghana.
The acclaimed singer made this passionate appeal during an interview with Fashion Bomb Daily on the red carpet of the 2025 Met Gala in New York. Known for her bold fashion choices and empowering music, Tems used the prestigious global event as a platform to speak about the beauty, creativity, and diversity of African life and sound.
“Africa is more than a concept—it’s a feeling”
Speaking with grace and confidence, Tems encouraged foreigners to visit African countries like Nigeria and Ghana not just for sightseeing, but for true cultural immersion. According to her, the heart of Africa lies in its people, traditions, creativity, and the vibrant energy of everyday life.
“I always encourage people to go to Lagos and Ghana for vacation,” Tems said. “Just go and see for yourself before you make an opinion [about Africa]. See it for yourself and see how you feel.”
She continued, emphasizing that Africa’s soul isn’t defined by assumptions or media portrayals, but by its lived reality and artistic expression.
“I think it [the beauty of Africa] is in the creativity, the daily efforts, the looks, the songs, the traditions and the cultures,” she added.
Challenging the world’s narrow view of African music
Tems also took the opportunity to address global misconceptions about African music. While the Afrobeats genre has gained immense international popularity—thanks to artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and herself—Tems believes there is much more depth and variety in African sound that the world has yet to discover.
“We [Africans] can go further in every single aspect of sound,” she said. “We are not just Afrobeats. There is Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, Afro Jazz. There are so many genres in African music that people are not all the way tapped into yet.”
Her comments serve as a timely reminder that the African music scene is rich, evolving, and multifaceted—stretching far beyond the global fixation on Afrobeats. With growing international collaborations and increasing representation at major awards and festivals, African artists are carving out new frontiers in R&B, soul, electronic music, and experimental genres.
Tems’ journey as a global cultural ambassador
Tems, who first gained widespread recognition for her feature on Wizkid’s Essence and later with her own solo releases like Free Mind and Crazy Tings, has quickly become one of the most influential female voices in African music. Winning a Grammy for her contribution to Future and Drake’s Wait for U and co-writing Lift Me Up for Rihanna on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, Tems has been hailed as a new-generation icon.
Beyond music, Tems has also become a fashion trailblazer, known for her daring and elegant style on international red carpets—from the Oscars to the BET Awards and now the Met Gala.
At the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Garden of Time,” Tems wowed attendees in a custom gown designed by a rising Nigerian fashion house. The outfit combined traditional African elements with avant-garde silhouettes—further reinforcing her message of cultural pride and creative innovation.
Global reactions to Tems’ Met Gala message
Tems’ bold call to action has sparked conversations across social media, with fans, fellow artists, and cultural commentators applauding her for using a major global platform to champion Africa’s identity.
“Tems said it beautifully. Africa isn’t just a location, it’s a vibe, a culture, a rhythm,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Lagos and Accra are cultural capitals the world needs to experience!”
Another user posted: “We need more African celebrities saying this. Tems is not just representing Nigeria, she’s representing the real face of Africa.”
Nigerian-American author and cultural critic Luvvie Ajayi also praised Tems’ interview, writing: “She’s telling the world what we’ve always known—Africa isn’t something to pity or romanticize. It’s powerful, beautiful, and innovative.”
Tourism and culture: a growing movement
Tems’ comments also come at a time when Nigeria and Ghana are making significant strides to promote tourism, cultural exchange, and investment. Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative in 2019 opened the door for African diasporans to reconnect with their heritage, while Nigeria continues to position Lagos as a creative hub through music, fashion, and film.
Experts say celebrity endorsements like Tems’ can play a crucial role in reshaping Africa’s image globally, especially among younger generations seeking authentic travel and cultural experiences.
Conclusion: A call to rediscover Africa
By encouraging the world to go beyond the surface and experience Africa for what it truly is—an epicenter of creativity, resilience, and innovation—Tems is not just making a statement; she’s starting a movement.
Her Met Gala moment was more than a fashion highlight—it was a cultural declaration. In a world that often clings to outdated notions of Africa, Tems is inviting everyone to take a new journey: one that starts in Lagos or Accra but lives forever in the heart.
As Africa continues to influence global art, fashion, music, and thought, voices like Tems are essential in reclaiming the narrative and opening doors for deeper understanding.
