Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed that she battled intense stage fright during her performance at the official opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, admitting she was overwhelmed by nerves after making a brief mistake while addressing the audience.
Key Highlights:
- Tems Admits Stage Nerves after a slip-up during the Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony.
- Nigerian singer performed alongside global music icons at the landmark event in Chicago.
- Tems mistakenly referred to former President Obama’s daughters by the wrong names.
- She later apologised on social media, saying she was overwhelmed with nervousness.
- Former U.S. President Barack Obama and his family attended the ceremony.
- Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s work is featured in the center’s permanent collection.
The ceremony, held at John Lewis Plaza on the center’s 19-acre campus, marked the formal dedication of the $850 million facility ahead of its public opening on June 19. Community celebrations are expected to continue through June 21.
Tems joined an impressive lineup of international music stars, including Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Common, Bono, The Edge, Marc Anthony and The Roots.
The Nigerian star received warm applause from guests following her performance, which was one of the highlights of the globally televised event.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended the ceremony alongside his family, including daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, who were seen enjoying the performances.
Before taking the stage in a striking red gown, Tems expressed gratitude to the audience and the Obama family.
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“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.”
However, following the event, the singer took to social media to admit that nerves got the better of her after she mistakenly referred to Obama’s daughters by the wrong names during her remarks.
Sharing her reaction online, Tems wrote:
“Lord knows I was nervous! Please forgive me!!!”
Despite the brief slip-up, the singer earned widespread praise for her performance and professionalism at the high-profile event attended by former U.S. Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, alongside political leaders, cultural icons, and entertainment figures from around the world.
The opening ceremony also underscored Nigeria’s growing influence on the global cultural stage. A portrait created by Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby has been included in the permanent collection of the Obama Presidential Center, further showcasing Nigerian talent on an international platform.
The three-day celebration officially launched activities leading to the center’s public opening and highlighted the institution’s mission of inspiring civic engagement, leadership, and community development.
