DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

VIDEO: Michelle hosts Tems at new Obama presidential centre

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Afrobeats star Tems met with former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama at the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
  • They engaged young aspiring artists in a conversation about confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
  • The Obama Center's Media Suite aims to provide young people with tools for music production and creative training.

Grammy-winning Afrobeats sensation Tems recently joined former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama at the newly inaugurated Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. The two influential figures met with a group of young, aspiring artists within the Center's Media Suite, fostering a discussion focused on confidence, creativity, and the importance of self-expression.

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.

— Michelle ObamaAccompanying a video post on X.

The encounter, documented in a video shared by Michelle Obama on X, was part of the activities at the Obama Presidential Center's creative hub. The Center, which officially opened its doors between June 18-21, 2026, features a Media Suite specifically designed to offer young individuals access to essential tools for music production, podcasting, and various other creative training programs.

Michelle Obama expressed her hopes for the Media Suite, stating, "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 shared her gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the significance of authenticity in cultivating an artist's confidence. She remarked, "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."

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.

— TemsExpressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage with young artists.

Responding to a question about stage confidence, Michelle Obama highlighted the role of consistent practice and experience in developing self-assurance. Tems encouraged the young artists to embrace their individuality and creative honesty, advising them to "do things that bring more of you out, like that, make you more authentic. That helps with confidence." She also expressed her support for the Center's mission, aligning it with her own "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.

— TemsAdvising young artists on authenticity and confidence.

Following the inspiring session, Tems took to X to share her positive experience, 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 Center, established by former President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation, aims to serve as a long-term creative hub for young people to explore their talents and discover their voices.

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.

— TemsDescribing her experience after the event on X.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog