Grammy-winning Afrobeats artist Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, has met with Former US First Lady Michelle Obama at the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago.
At the centre’s recently opened Media Suite in Jackson Park, the two spoke with aspiring artists.
The hub provides young people with resources for podcasting, music production, and other creative skills. It was unveiled during the centre’s June 18–21, 2026 launch events.
Michelle Obama and Barack Obama hope the Media Suite becomes a place where young people can discover their voice, learn about music, and create art, according to a video of the meeting that Michelle posted on X.
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 Obama Centre and Michelle Obama for the invitation.
“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.
She stressed that authenticity is vital to building confidence as an artist and noted that expressing one’s true self helps with self-assurance.
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Tems also spoke about her Leading Vibe initiative, which supports young women in music.
“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”, she said.
Addressing a question on stage confidence, Michelle Obama explained that self-assurance is built through consistency and practice over time.
She said the Centre was designed for young people to explore their talents and develop their voices.
Quoting Michelle Obama’s tweet, Tems said she was inspired by her and her work, calling the experience wonderful and inspiring.
“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”, she wrote.
The Obama Presidential Centre recently opened with a star-studded ceremony featuring Stevie Wonder, Tems, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend and other global acts.
