Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as 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 both figures engaged young aspiring artists in a conversation on confidence, creativity and self-expression.
The meeting, which was shared in a video posted by Michelle Obama on X on Monday, formed part of activities at the Obama Presidential Centre’s creative hub in Jackson Park.
The Centre, which opened just days earlier during its June 18–21, 2026 launch events, includes a Media Suite designed to give young people access to tools for music production, podcasting and other creative training.
In her post accompanying 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.”
Inside the session, Tems expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the participants, while also highlighting the importance of authenticity in building 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.
Responding to a student’s question about stage confidence, Michelle Obama emphasised consistency and practice, noting that self-assurance is developed over time through experience.
Tems, in her own contribution, encouraged the young artists to embrace individuality and creative honesty. 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 also told the participants that the Centre was created as a space for young people to explore their talents and find their voices, adding that she and former President Barack Obama envisioned it as a long-term creative hub.
Following the encounter, Tems took to X to describe the experience as inspiring, writing: “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, founded by former U.S. President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation, recently opened its campus that featured a star-studded opening ceremony with performances from Stevie Wonder, Tems, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and other global acts.
Watch video here:
𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐬 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
