Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Tems delivered a riveting live performance of her hit single “Me & U” at the grand opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center on Thursday, June 18, 2026, marking a proud moment for Nigerian music on one of the world’s most-watched cultural stages.
The exclusive, invitation-only dedication took place at the center’s outdoor John Lewis Plaza on Chicago’s South Side, with former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama hosting the historic ceremony. The event was broadcast globally via live stream starting at 11 a.m. Central Time.
Tems participated in a special “One World” global performance segment designed to celebrate international unity and creativity, sharing the moment with Latin music icon Marc Anthony and U2’s Bono and The Edge.
Her inclusion on the bill placed her alongside a breathtaking lineup of music legends. Stevie Wonder performed his timeless classic “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” John Legend and Common reunited for their Academy Award-winning anthem “Glory,” while Jennifer Hudson delivered the National Anthem and a soaring rendition of “The Impossible Dream.” The evening also featured Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Eddie Vedder, and The Roots.
The $850 million, 19.3-acre cultural campus officially opens its doors to the public on Friday, June 19, in commemoration of Juneteenth.
