Tems aka Temilade Openiyi the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist, has officially canceled her much-anticipated born in the wild concert in Kigali, Rwanda, which was scheduled for March 22, 2025. This decision comes in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly regarding Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. The cancellation has sparked significant discussion surrounding the intersection of entertainment and political awareness among artists.
Background of the Conflict.
The conflict in eastern DRC has escalated significantly, with the M23 rebels intensifying their offensive and capturing key locations such as Goma, a major city. The situation has resulted in widespread displacement, with reports indicating that over 237,000 people have been affected recently due to the violence. The United Nations and various Western governments have accused Rwanda of backing these rebels, a claim that the Rwandan government denies. This backdrop of conflict has made it increasingly challenging for international artists to navigate their performances in the region without appearing insensitive to local issues.
Tems’ Response.
Tems took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her regret over promoting the concert without being fully aware of the prevailing situation. In her statement, she emphasized that she never intended to be insensitive and expressed her heartfelt apologies to those affected by the conflict. She stated:
“I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo. I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues… My heart goes out to those affected. Conflict is no joke and I truly hope and pray for peace in this time.” .
This acknowledgment of her oversight has received mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some praised her for taking a stand against performing in a politically charged environment, while others questioned how an artist of her stature could be unaware of such significant regional issues.
Mixed Reactions from Fans.
The public’s response to Tems’ cancellation has been varied. Supporters have lauded her as a “true Pan-Africanist,” while others have criticized her lack of awareness about the ongoing crisis. Some fans from Rwanda expressed disappointment and demanded refunds for their tickets, feeling that her apology did not adequately address their concerns. One user remarked:
“There’s no way she didn’t know… You’re a well-established artist who has an entire team working with/for you, and not a single one is abreast of current global news?” .
Conversely, Congolese fans expressed gratitude for her solidarity with their plight, highlighting how her decision keeps attention on the urgent humanitarian crisis in DRC.
Implications for Future Performances.
This incident underscores a growing trend where artists are increasingly scrutinized for their choices regarding performance locations amid global political issues. Tems’ cancellation reflects a broader expectation that entertainers should be socially and politically aware, particularly when their performances could be interpreted as endorsing or ignoring serious human rights concerns.
As Tems continues her Born in the Wild world tour, she will perform in other cities across Africa, Europe, and North America. However, this cancellation raises questions about how other artists will respond to similar situations in the future. For instance, there is now pressure on other performers scheduled to appear in Rwanda, such as John Legend, to consider their positions regarding the ongoing conflict .
Conclusion.
Tems’ decision to cancel her concert in Rwanda illustrates the complex relationship between music, politics, and social responsibility. As global citizens increasingly expect artists to engage with pressing issues, Tems’ experience serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness and sensitivity in today’s interconnected world. While her concert may not take place as planned, her actions have sparked vital conversations about accountability and awareness among artists operating on an international stage.