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

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