Nigerian singer Tems explains why she won’t return to Uganda

Nigerian singer Tems, real name Temilade Openiyi, has revealed why she has no plans of returning to Uganda for a performance any time soon.

Tems remains one of West Africa’s most sought-after female artists, and many Ugandan party lovers have long hoped she would grace a local stage again. But the Grammy-winning star has now shut down those expectations through a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Responding to a fan who asked why she has never considered performing in Uganda again, Tems shared a screenshot of herself standing in a Ugandan courtroom — a reminder of her infamous 2020 arrest.

Tems in court. Photo credit Nicholas Bamulanzeki.

The singer was detained in Uganda during the COVID-19 lockdown after allegedly violating pandemic restrictions. She and fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay had been booked to perform at The Brunch, but shortly after the show, they were arrested, charged, and later remanded to Kitalya Prison for two days.

The incident sparked global outrage, leading to the viral #FreeTems campaign across social media. Both artists were eventually released, but Tems has since spoken openly about her unpleasant experience in Ugandan custody