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Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has called on the world to look past long-standing stereotypes about Africa.
Instead, she encouraged people to experience the continent firsthand, starting with Nigeria and Ghana.
Speaking during a red-carpet interview with Fashion Bomb Daily at the 2025 Met Gala in New York, the singer used her platform to spotlight the depth and richness of African culture.
Her message was simple but powerful: come and see Africa for yourself before forming opinions.
Visit Lagos and Ghana, Tems says
Tems urged travelers and culture lovers around the world to consider vacationing in Lagos, Nigeria, and cities in Ghana. These places, she said, offer a vibrant introduction to African life.
“I always encourage people to go to Lagos and Ghana for vacation,” she said. “Just go and see for yourself before you make an opinion about Africa. See it for yourself and see how you feel.”
She believes the best way to understand the continent is to visit, explore, and connect with its people.
Africa’s beauty lies in its creativity
For Tems, Africa’s real beauty isn’t just in its landscapes, it’s in its people and what they create every day.
“I think it’s in the creativity, the daily efforts, the looks, the songs, the traditions, and the cultures,” she said.
Her words highlighted the everyday energy and artistic expression that define African life. From street fashion and local dishes to traditional music and visual art, creativity runs deep across the continent.
Breaking the mold: More than just afrobeats
Tems also addressed common global views about African music. While Afrobeats has gained worldwide popularity, she emphasized that African music includes many other styles. In her view, the world has barely scratched the surface of what the continent has to offer.
“We are not just Afrobeats,” she said firmly. “There is Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, Afro Jazz. There are so many genres in African music that people are not all the way tapped into yet.”
She described African music as a dynamic space, full of different sounds, rhythms, and emotions. Each genre tells its own story and represents the voice of a particular region or culture.
A voice for African identity
Tems has become one of the most recognizable African voices on the global stage. With her unique sound and strong presence, she has helped shift international attention to African artists.
Beyond the awards and hit songs, Tems uses her platform to share her roots and uplift the voices of other African creatives. At the Met Gala, surrounded by celebrities and fashion icons, she stayed grounded in her mission: to challenge outdated views of Africa and highlight its true identity.
Shaping the future through art
The singer believes that music, fashion, and storytelling have the power to shape how the world sees Africa. And artists like her are already leading that change.
In her interview, she called on the international community to explore African talent and creativity in deeper ways, not just through trends, but through real experiences.
“Go beyond the headlines. Travel. Listen. Ask questions. Be open to what you find,” her message seemed to say.
A growing global interest in African culture
Tems’ comments come at a time when African fashion, music, and cinema are gaining more attention around the world. From Lagos Fashion Week to Nollywood films and Billboard-charting songs, Africa is making its mark.
Still, many African creators feel that the world sees them through a narrow lens. For Tems, the solution is simple: visit, explore, and engage with Africa on its own terms.
Tems remains a cultural ambassador
As one of Nigeria’s biggest exports in music today, Tems continues to raise the flag for Africa. Her work blends traditional African sounds with modern styles, creating a sound that’s both local and global.
But more importantly, she keeps using her voice to break barriers and tell stories that matter.
For Tems, the message is clear: Africa is not a single story. It’s a continent full of voices, visions, and value, just waiting to be heard.
Read Also: I’ve never had a boyfriend, just casual partner – Tems
