Tems Meets Michelle Obama at New Obama Centre

Tems with former United States President, First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. Photo credit: Tems.

Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, recently met with former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama. This meeting took place at the newly opened Media Suite in the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago. They spoke with young aspiring artists about confidence, creativity, and self-expression.

The video of their meeting was shared by Michelle Obama on X on Monday. This event was part of activities at the Obama Presidential Centre’s creative hub in Jackson Park.

The Centre opened just days earlier, during the launch events from June 18 to 21, 2026. It includes a Media Suite where young people can access tools for music production, podcasting, and other creative training.

In her post with the video, Michelle Obama wrote:
“Tems and I met with some aspiring artists at the Obama Presidential Centre’s new Media Suite! Barack and I hope this Media Suite will become a place where young people can find their voice, learn about music, and make beautiful art.”

During the session, Tems thanked the participants for the chance to engage with them. She also spoke about being true to oneself as a way to build confidence as an artist.
“I got a chance to meet these beautiful, talented girls, and I’m so grateful to the Obama Centre and to Michelle Obama for inviting me,” she said.

When a student asked about stage confidence, Michelle Obama said that practice and consistency are key. She noted that confidence grows over time through experience.

Tems added that young artists should embrace their uniqueness and be honest in their creativity. She said:
“You have to do things that bring more of you out, like that, make you more authentic. That helps with confidence… I really believe in what these guys are doing here, which is also why I started the Leading Vibe initiative, who supports young women in music in every way.”

Michelle Obama told the young artists that the Centre was created for them to explore their talents and find their voices. She explained that she and former President Barack Obama see it as a long-term creative hub.

After the meeting, Tems shared her thoughts on X, calling the experience inspiring. She wrote:
“I’m so inspired by you, Mrs Obama and the incredible work you do. Thank you for inviting me for a truly wonderful and inspiring experience.”

The Obama Presidential Centre, established by former U.S. President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation, recently opened its campus. The opening ceremony featured performances from Stevie Wonder, Tems, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, and other global acts.

Watch video here:

𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐎𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞

Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Tems has met with former United States First Lady Michelle Obama at the newly opened Media Suite of the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, where… pic.twitter.com/VdEV7XHZTo

, Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 22, 2026