Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Tems has met former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama at the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, where both figures engaged with aspiring artists at the newly launched Media Suite.
The meeting took place at the Centre’s facility in Jackson Park, designed to provide young people with access to tools for music production, podcasting, and creative development.
The Media Suite was unveiled as part of the Centre’s launch programme held between June 18 and 21, 2026, and is aimed at nurturing talent and expanding opportunities in the creative industry.
Michelle Obama shared a video of the session on X (formerly Twitter), expressing hope that the space would empower young creatives to find their voices and develop their artistic skills.
She wrote that she and former U.S. President Barack Obama envision the Media Suite as a platform where young people can learn, create, and express themselves through music and other art forms.
During the engagement, Tems interacted with emerging artists and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the initiative.
She thanked the Obama Centre and Michelle Obama for the invitation, describing the experience as meaningful and inspiring.
“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.
Tems also highlighted the importance of authenticity in building confidence as an artist, noting that staying true to oneself plays a key role in creative growth.
She referenced her own initiative, the Leading Vibe project, which supports young women pursuing careers in music and the creative arts.
Michelle Obama, speaking during the session, encouraged participants to build confidence through practice and consistency, stressing that self-belief develops over time.
The former First Lady added that the Obama Presidential Centre was created to give young people a platform to explore their talents and express their voices.
Following the meeting, Tems praised Michelle Obama’s influence and the work being done at the Centre, describing the experience as inspiring and impactful.
The Obama Presidential Centre’s opening has attracted global attention, featuring performances and appearances from international stars including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend.
