Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, recently met with former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama at the newly opened Media Suite in the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Together, they engaged with young, aspiring artists in an inspiring conversation about confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
A video of the event, shared on X by Michelle Obama, captured highlights from the session, which was part of the Center’s creative hub activities in Jackson Park.
Opened during launch events held from June 18–21, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center features a state-of-the-art Media Suite designed to provide young people with access to music production, podcasting, and other creative resources.
In her post, Michelle Obama wrote:
Tems and I met with some aspiring artists at the Obama Presidential Centre’s new Media Suite! Barack and I hope this Media Suite will become a place where young people can find their voice, learn about music, and make beautiful art.
During the session, Tems expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with the participants and underscored the importance of authenticity in building artistic confidence.
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.
When asked about stage confidence, Michelle Obama emphasized that self-assurance is developed through consistency and experience. Tems encouraged the young artists to embrace their individuality:
“You have to do things that bring more of you out and make you more authentic. That helps with confidence. I really believe in what these guys are doing here, which is also why I started the Leading Vibe initiative to support young women in music in every way.”
Michelle Obama explained that the Center was envisioned as a place for young people to explore their talents and discover their voices—a long-term creative hub for the next generation.
After the event, Tems described the experience as inspiring, writing on X:
I’m so inspired by you, Mrs. Obama, and the incredible work you do. Thank you for inviting me for a truly wonderful and inspiring experience.
The Obama Presidential Center, established by former President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation, celebrated its opening with a star-studded ceremony featuring performances from Stevie Wonder, Tems, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, and other global artists.
Watch the video here:
