Nigerian Grammy-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, performed at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago on Wednesday, joining a lineup of global music stars at the high-profile dedication event marked by music, applause and celebratory scenes.
According to CBS News on Thursday, the ceremony was held at John Lewis Plaza on the 19-acre campus and formally dedicated the $850 million centre ahead of its public opening on June 19, with community celebrations scheduled through June 21.
Tems was among a star-studded lineup of performers that included Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Common, Bono and The Edge, Marc Anthony, and The Roots, with the audience responding with cheers and standing ovations throughout the programme.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama and members of his family, including daughters Malia and Sasha Obama, were also present at the ceremony and were seen engaging with performances during the event.
In a video clip shared, Tems was seen addressing the audience ahead of her performance in a vibrant red gown, saying, “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.”
Tems later revealed she became nervous during her appearance after mistakenly misnaming Obama’s daughters while speaking on stage.
She took to social media to express her nervousness, writing: “Lord knows I was nervous! Please forgive me!!!”
Despite the moment, the Nigerian artiste received a strong reception for her performance at the globally televised ceremony, which also featured former U.S. Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, alongside other international political, cultural and entertainment figures.
The ceremony forms part of a three-day programme beginning with the dedication on June 18, followed by public opening on June 19 and community events running through June 21.
The event also highlights growing Nigerian representation at the Obama Presidential Center, including a portrait by Nigerian-born artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, which is on display at the site
