Nigerian international sensation Tems has officially canceled her upcoming concert in Rwanda amid escalating political tensions between the country and South Africa over the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The Grammy-winning artist made the announcement on January 30 through a post on her X account, where she acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and expressed her deep regret for initially promoting the show without awareness of the broader geopolitical conflict.
Her decision has sparked conversations across social media, with fans from both South Africa and the DRC praising her for prioritizing ethics and global awareness over commercial interests.
In her heartfelt statement, Tems admitted that she had unknowingly advertised her Kigali concert without realizing the severity of the tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
She emphasized that she had no intention of being insensitive to real-world events and apologized if her actions appeared tone-deaf to those directly affected by the crisis. “So I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo,” she wrote.
“I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues, and I sincerely apologize if this came across that way. I simply had no idea this was going on. My heart goes out to those affected. Conflict is no joke, and I truly hope and pray for peace in this time.”
The Kigali concert was set to be part of Tems’ highly anticipated Born in the Wild world tour, which has already seen her sell out venues across multiple continents. The cancellation comes at a time when the singer’s global influence is at an all-time high, with her debut album receiving critical acclaim and her live performances attracting massive crowds.
However, in light of the deepening political strife in the region, Tems opted to step back, recognizing that proceeding with the event might be perceived as endorsing or ignoring the ongoing crisis. The move reflects her growing reputation as not just an artist but also a socially conscious public figure.
The current tensions between Rwanda and South Africa stem from South Africa’s support of the DRC government in its fight against the M23 Rebel Group, which has been accused of receiving backing from Rwanda.
This political friction has led to diplomatic clashes between the two nations, further intensifying following a recent tragedy involving South African troops. In a post on X, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the loss of over a dozen South African soldiers deployed on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC. Their deaths have fueled further outrage, with many in South Africa condemning Rwanda’s alleged role in the conflict.
The situation escalated when Ramaphosa referred to the Rwandan military as a “militia” in his official statement. This characterization provoked a sharp response from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who released a statement asserting that Rwanda was prepared to respond to South Africa in any manner it deemed necessary.
The exchange of words between the two leaders has only heightened fears of further instability in the region. Against this backdrop, Tems’ decision to cancel her concert is seen as a significant gesture, acknowledging the seriousness of the conflict and standing in solidarity with those affected.
While fans in Rwanda have expressed disappointment over the cancellation, many understand the reasoning behind the decision. Meanwhile, South African and Congolese supporters have praised Tems for using her platform to highlight the issue rather than ignore it.
The singer has yet to announce whether she will reschedule the concert at a later date, but for now, her focus remains on raising awareness and advocating for peace. With her global stardom on the rise, Tems’ actions demonstrate that artists hold immense power—not just in shaping culture but also in influencing conversations on social justice and international affairs.
