Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems is scheduled to make a special musical appearance at the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony in Chicago, United States, on June 18th, 2026.

We are bringing together some of today’s most prominent voices and global icons for the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony. The festivities will livestream globally at 11 a.m. CT, Thursday, June 18 — don’t miss it!

Tune in for speeches from @BarackObama and Mrs.… pic.twitter.com/moY95AvJ40

— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) June 16, 2026

The announcement was made yesterday, June 17th, 2026, via the Obama Foundation social media pages, bringing a lineup of prominent voices and global music stars. The two-time Grammy winner will join the likes of Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Marc Anthony, John Legend, Common, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, U2’S Bono and The Edge, Bruce Springsteen, among others.

The Grand Opening Ceremony marks the official dedication of the Obama Presidential Center and is scheduled to be livestreamed at 11 a.m. CT on Thursday, June 18. The livestreamed event aims to bring together global leaders, artists, changemakers, and citizens to celebrate the values that shaped the Obama presidency.

Being the only African act performing at the ceremony, this moment marks another prestigious recognition for Tems whose songs have made it to Obama’s summer playlists in the previous years.

This moment also arrives at a time when Njideka Akunyili Crosby, a Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist and daughter of the late Dora Akunyili, unveiled a portrait of Barack and Michelle Obama.

It was great joining Njideka Akunyili Crosby — a gifted Nigerian-born, Los Angeles-based artist — to unveil our first portrait together. This piece reflects so many chapters of Michelle and my story, and we’re thrilled that it will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at… pic.twitter.com/8yFkyjV55D

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) June 15, 2026

The piece reflects chapters of the couple’s and Obama’s stories and will be on display in the Hope and Change lobby at the Obama Presidential Centre starting this Juneteenth.