Tems Apologises After Nervous Mix-Up at Obama Presidential Centre Ceremony

Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Tems has apologised after accidentally misnaming Barack Obama’s daughters during the official dedication of the $850 million Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, admitting she was overwhelmed by nerves on the global stage. The 30-year-old Afrobeats sensation, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, took to social media platform X following the June 18 ceremony to laugh off the moment, writing: “Lord knows I was nervous! Please forgive me!!!” The slip-up occurred as Tems addressed the audience at John Lewis Plaza on the centre’s 19-acre campus, moments before delivering a captivating performance of her hit single “Me & U”. Dressed in a vibrant red gown, she told the crowd: “I am so blessed and honoured to be here… this is you, everyone, here, to Mr and Mrs Obama, to Sandra, and all the family.” The reference to “Sandra” was a clear misstep—the Obamas’ daughters are Malia and Sasha Obama.

Despite the brief error, Tems received a warm reception for her performance at the globally televised ceremony, which featured an extraordinary lineup of music royalty. She shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Common, U2’s Bono and The Edge, Marc Anthony, Eddie Vedder, Marsai Martin and The Roots. Jennifer Hudson opened the event with the national anthem, while Christina Aguilera performed Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”. John Legend and Common delivered a moving rendition of their Oscar-winning song “Glory”. The ceremony concluded with a powerful group performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” featuring multiple artists. Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended alongside Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha. Three other living former occupants of the Oval Office were present—Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden—along with their wives. Former vice president Kamala Harris, former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, and international dignitaries including former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau were also in attendance.

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In his address at the ceremony, Obama called for overcoming divisions within American society, saying: “As unsettled as we are, people aren’t looking for perpetual anger and division. They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect.” He added: “Deep in our gut, we want to find a way to turn towards each other again.”

The $850 million facility, located on Chicago’s South Side, officially opened to the public on June 19—the Juneteenth holiday celebrating the abolition of slavery in the U.S. The 19.3-acre campus features a fully digital presidential museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, an NBA-regulation basketball court, a Women’s Garden, and a playground. The centre is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually.

Beyond Tems’ performance, Nigerian representation at the centre was further highlighted by a portrait from Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, which is featured in the centre’s permanent collection. Tems’ invitation to perform underscores the growing influence of African artists on major global stages, marking another milestone in her career defined by artistic excellence and international impact.

The Obama Presidential Centre celebrations began with the dedication ceremony on June 18 and will continue with public activities and community events until June 21. Tickets for the grand opening weekend have already sold out, with thousands of ticketed guests watching the ceremony on a big screen from a nearby park.

Tems Apologises After Nervous Mix-Up at Obama Presidential Centre Ceremony

Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign

Hausa praise singer Dauda Adamu Kahutu Rarara has criticised Afrobeats star Davido, accusing him of portraying Nigeria negatively on the global stage after drawing international attention to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.

The controversy stems from Davido’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert, where he wore a customised jacket inscribed with “Bring Them Home” alongside the names of abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo State. The gesture was widely shared online and sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria’s political and entertainment space.

According to reports, gunmen had attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, triggering nationwide concern over worsening insecurity and renewed calls for government intervention.

Reacting in a video posted on his verified Facebook page, Rarara condemned Davido’s action, describing it as “harmful to Nigeria’s image” and inappropriate for a global platform.

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He argued that sensitive national security issues should not be displayed internationally in a manner that could, in his view, damage the country’s reputation.

“I do not usually react to issues like this, but what Davido did was barbaric… How can you promote insecurity-related issues to the whole world?” Rarara said, adding that the move was unnecessary and politically charged.

He also alleged that Davido’s action may have been influenced by political considerations, claiming it was linked to his uncle’s political ambition in Osun State under the Accord Party, though no evidence was provided for the claim.

Rarara further maintained that insecurity should be handled with caution, arguing that public commentary on ongoing security operations could interfere with rescue efforts or negotiations with armed groups.

He claimed, without verification, that the abduction occurred in the context of broader counter-terrorism operations and insisted that “publicity could complicate security responses.”

The singer also criticised what he described as the growing trend of social media activism around insecurity, warning that some online narratives may unintentionally aid criminal groups or distort security operations.

“You cannot go to China or other countries and promote issues the authorities do not want promoted,” he said, insisting that national security matters require discretion.

Davido responded briefly on X (formerly Twitter) by quoting Rarara’s comments and writing “Debidooo,” a phrase widely interpreted as mocking the Hausa pronunciation of his name.

Rarara later replied with a Hausa expression widely interpreted as insulting, escalating the exchange into a public war of words between both entertainers.

Davido also fired back in another post, stating in Hausa: “If only you had knowledge, I would have stopped to speak with you. But you know nothing,” further intensifying the online exchange.

The controversy has since attracted wider commentary from political and public figures, including Reno Omokri, Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Mexico, who previously argued that excessive international attention on terrorist incidents could complicate rescue efforts and benefit perpetrators.

The debate continues to trend on social media, reflecting deeper divisions over celebrity activism, national security messaging, and the role of public figures in highlighting humanitarian crises.

Oyo Abduction: Rarara Blasts Davido Over Global “Bring Them Home” Campaign

Reno Omokri Fires Back at Davido Over “Umu Bingo” Comment

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has responded to Afrobeats superstar Davido following a viral social media clash in which the singer allegedly referred to him as “Umu bingo” during an online exchange.

In an open letter posted on social media, Omokri said he was surprised and disappointed by Davido’s response, describing the comment as an unnecessary personal attack rather than a constructive engagement on national issues. He explained that the disagreement stemmed from his earlier remarks defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations raised by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from Ethiopia, insisting his position was based on national interest and factual clarification.

Omokri stressed that public figures, especially those with large international followings, should avoid insulting language and instead focus on meaningful dialogue when discussing sensitive political or social matters.

The former presidential aide suggested that Davido’s reaction may also be connected to his previous criticism of the singer’s comments on Nigeria’s insecurity situation during global sporting discussions, including FIFA World Cup conversations. He further referenced political reactions to Davido’s earlier statements, noting that Peter Obi had publicly supported the singer’s stance, which he claimed may have influenced the tone of the exchange.

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Defending his position, Omokri argued that discussing terrorism on major global stages could unintentionally amplify the visibility of extremist groups. He contrasted Davido’s approach with that of American content creator IShowSpeed, whom he said used international platforms to promote Nigeria in a positive light. Omokri also cited international examples, including the October 7, 2023 Israel hostage crisis and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, arguing that excessive global media attention can sometimes complicate security responses and benefit terrorist organizations. He referenced former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s position on limiting publicity for terrorist groups and also pointed to UNESCO guidelines on responsible reporting of terrorism-related incidents.

The exchange comes shortly after Omokri’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed claims surrounding his diplomatic appointment and reports alleging rejection by Mexican authorities. He dismissed the reports as politically motivated misinformation and maintained that his delayed resumption was linked to scheduling issues around the ongoing FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.

In his concluding remarks, Omokri urged Davido to exercise restraint in public discourse despite acknowledging his global success as an artist. He stated that personal insults were unnecessary in public debate and called for more respectful engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s image and security. The exchange has since sparked widespread reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over issues of free speech, celebrity influence, political commentary, and national security communication.

Reno Omokri Fires Back at Davido Over “Umu Bingo” Comment