Tems

Tems cancelled a planned concert in Kigali following criticism linked to the M23 offensive in eastern DRC and international allegations of Rwandan support for the rebel movement. She explained that she had been unaware of the extent of tensions when promoting the show and apologised for any insensitivity.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The video for Me & U, filmed in Malta and built around water and spiritual imagery, prompted online interpretations linking it to African deities or spiritual practices. Tems explained that the concept came to her while thinking about Jesus walking on water and her personal relationship with God.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following criticism from Jamaican veteran Buju Banton that Afrobeats lacked sufficient messages of liberation or social struggle, Tems argued that the Nigerian genre had also emerged to allow people to escape hardship, dance and rediscover joy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

At the 2023 Oscars, Tems wore a white dress with a very large structure that visibly obstructed the view of some people behind her when she sat down. The images went viral, sparking debate about elegance, consideration for other guests and, conversely, the sometimes racialised nature of the criticism.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

A video of Tems sparked a rumour that she was pregnant by rapper Future. Tems denied the speculation and subsequently said she had received death threats from fans or internet users because of the story, although she said she had never even met Future.

Tems and Omah Lay were arrested in Uganda after taking part in a concert alleged to have breached Covid-19 health regulations. They appeared in court and were detained on a charge of a negligent act likely to spread disease.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome