Afrobeat sensation Tems has recently spoken out about the importance of experiencing African countries, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, before forming opinions about the continent. The Grammy-winning artist, known for her captivating sound and thought-provoking lyrics, addressed the issue of misconceptions surrounding Africa and emphasized that firsthand experience is crucial to truly understanding the diverse cultures and landscapes within the continent.
During an interview with a popular media outlet, Tems expressed her frustration with the stereotypes and negative portrayals that often dominate global media coverage of Africa. “There are so many things people don’t understand about Africa. They think it’s just one thing, but it’s not. Nigeria is completely different from Ghana, and Ghana is so different from South Africa,” Tems stated. “You have to visit these places, live in these places, before you can speak on Africa as a whole.”
Tems’ call to action resonates with many who have pointed out the tendency for African countries to be viewed as a monolithic entity rather than as the unique and varied nations they truly are. While the continent has made tremendous strides on the global stage, particularly in terms of its music, film, and fashion industries, the outside world often remains ignorant of the depth of African cultures.
The artist’s message is particularly timely, given her growing prominence on the international stage. As an artist who has worked with global superstars like Drake, Future, and Wizkid, Tems has become one of the key figures driving the rise of Afrobeat worldwide. However, despite the increasing popularity of Afrobeat music and African culture, the stigmas surrounding the continent still persist in many parts of the world.
Nigeria, Tems’ home country, is one of the most populous and culturally rich nations in Africa, but it is also frequently misrepresented. Issues such as political instability, poverty, and corruption are often highlighted in the media, which can overshadow the vibrant culture, the technological advancements, and the entrepreneurial spirit that thrive in the country.
Ghana, another African powerhouse, is often described in similar terms. Despite being one of the most stable and economically prosperous nations in West Africa, it too suffers from a lack of understanding from the outside world. As Tems pointed out, these two countries alone are vastly different in terms of history, language, culture, and societal norms. Yet, they are often lumped together under the same negative umbrella of “Africa” by those who have never visited or taken the time to learn about the continent.
Tems believes that traveling to these countries provides an essential perspective that cannot be obtained from afar. “You get to see the people, the art, the culture, the food, the land, the history. Everything about these places is a reflection of the people, and that’s what’s beautiful about it. You’ll never understand that just by reading or watching something on TV. You need to experience it,” she added.
Her comments are not just limited to tourists, but also to the diaspora—Africans living abroad who may have limited knowledge of their home countries. According to Tems, the disconnect between African immigrants and the continent is one of the key issues that contributes to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. She pointed out that many people living outside of Africa may not fully appreciate the dynamic nature of their home countries until they revisit after spending years abroad.
Furthermore, Tems’ advocacy goes beyond tourism and encourages Africans in the diaspora to take pride in their heritage. “I think one of the most powerful things we can do as Africans is to support our own. When you’re abroad, it’s important to support businesses from back home. Invest in your culture, your history, your people,” she explained. This sentiment reflects a broader movement to empower African nations and strengthen local economies, something that is especially important in the face of globalization and the challenges faced by many African countries.
Tems’ remarks are part of a larger conversation about African identity, representation, and empowerment. With African music and culture continuing to dominate global spaces, there is a growing push for African voices to shape the narrative about the continent. Tems is a perfect example of how art can influence perception and change attitudes about Africa.
Her journey from Nigeria to the global stage is a testament to the immense talent and potential that exists within the continent. As a role model for millions of young people, she has been able to challenge conventional expectations and redefine what it means to be African in the music industry. By urging people to visit Nigeria and Ghana before making judgments, Tems is helping to dismantle the stereotypes that have long plagued Africa’s image.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, Tems’ call to explore and appreciate the diversity of African nations serves as a reminder that understanding is a process that requires direct engagement. It’s only by walking through the streets of Lagos, sampling the rich flavors of Ghanaian jollof rice, or experiencing the energy of the music scenes in both countries that one can truly grasp the richness and complexity of Africa.
As Tems continues to rise as an international star, her advocacy for African representation and authenticity remains at the forefront of her mission. Through her music, her platform, and her powerful words, Tems is helping to shift the narrative about Africa—one that highlights the beauty, resilience, and depth of the continent, beyond the limitations of stereotypes.
